A game of contrasting halves saw Grey Horse Over 40's emerge with a 4 - 3 victory against Houghton Swifts. Starting the game brightly, with good possession play and movement, Horse opened the scoring after fifteen minutes when Ian Bainbridge hit a crisp shot past the away ‘keeper from the edge of the box. After more good play in the Swifts’ half, Darren Foster broke on the left side to blast a shot into the net, beating the ‘keeper at his near post. Playing really well and looking comfortable, Foster scored his second just before half time with a run that beat the offside trap allowing him to once again blast past the stranded ‘keeper. “Flying Pig” Bainbridge then failed toconverta diving header, leaving the Horse 3 nil up at half time. The second half saw a distinct change to the pattern of play. Swifts got a greater hold on the game, mainly due to Horse inadequacies with passing the football and giving it away too easily. On fifty minutes Swifts scored their first goal before the game was then halted by referee Mr Tommy Lye after a defensive challenge resulted in a Swift player being treated for a serious leg injury. The setback did not deter the away team from creating chances and a second was scored soon after. Horse began to lose concentration during this period, and were grateful when Neil Bannister scored to put Horse 4 - 2 up with fifteen minutes to play. Sub, Kevin Hallimond had a good one on one chance that hit a post then rebounded to safety before Swifts scored a third to keep the pressure on a nervous looking home team. Horse held on for a valuable win and three points, but they must show better consistency over the duration of the game and not take games for granted against willing opposition. The Grey Horse management, players and supporters wish the unfortunate Swifts player a speedy recovery from the injury.
