Tonbridge Invicta Hurricanes 0    Old Coulsden Colts  3   Sunday 26^th November 2007

Old Coulsden Colts are riding high in the league and the Hurricanes knew they had a battle on their hands as they took to the field, back in league action following last week’s high drama in the cup.

And the game started with an Old Coulsden onslaught.  A break into the box saw Stanley Hill dashing from his line to save brilliantly with his legs.  Two minutes later an Old Coulsden striker broke clean through but Stanley again did everything right, standing tall and forcing the striker to shoot wide.  Up the other end a rare through-ball found Kane Joseph, who dribbled round two defenders before firing a fierce shot, just wide.  The Old Coulsden forwards were lively but the defence of Henry Partridge, Sam Greehy, Will Clark and Luke Bohanan were all playing well, making timely tackles and concentrating hard.  In mid-field there was quite a battle, with too much ball-watching from both sides at times and some excellently timed tackles and fine headers at others.  Few chances though were getting through to Kane and George Jones up front.

With fifteen minutes gone a period of Old Coulsden pressure saw them take the lead with a fine penalty kick following a handball in the area.  Nothing Stanley could have done.  From the kick off Hurricanes almost created a half chance with Ryan Hine skipping past three fielders and feeding Elliot Checkley on the left, but the defence just cleared the danger in time.  Shortly before half time Hurricanes had their best  chance;  Ryan slotted a perfect ball through to Kane Joseph who controlled neatly before striking a great shot at goal forcing a fantastic save from the keeper.  The ball rebounded to Kane but his follow up shot just cleared the bar.  0-1 at half time.

The second half began badly with an Old Coulsden break putting them two up.  Hurricanes kept their heads up though and continued to fight hard.  Harry Hine, introduced at left back, put in a solid performance, concentrating well and winning plenty of the ball.  On the opposite flank, Luke was playing well too, throwing himself into tackles to keep Old Coulsden at bay.  And in the centre of defence Will was strong in the tackle and Sam sweeping confidently behind. Although Old Coulsden looked dangerous on the break, Hurricanes began to create more chances as the half wore on.  George received the ball from Kieron Matthews and flicked it on neatly for Tom Mair bursting through on goal; only a brilliant tackle from a defender stopped him getting in his shot.  Minutes later a Kane throw was helped on by Ryan to Gabriel Russell who controlled well before rifling in a good shot that a defender deflected wide for a corner.  Ryan was moved up front and, together with Kane, had the Old Coulsden defence on the back foot as Hurricanes pressed for a goal.  With the minutes ticking away a long-range shot from Sam, just going wide, proved to be the Hurricanes’ last chance of the game.  Just before the final whistle a left wing Old Coulsden cross was tipped in by a nippy forward giving them a goal, slightly against the run of play, and a slightly flattering 3-0 win.

For much of the game the Hurricanes kept pace with a very good Old Coulsden side who are yet to lose in the league.  An encouraging performance from the team.

Man of the Match, as voted by the supporters:  kept us in the game with some outstanding saves in the first half.  A great performance from:  Stanley Hill