Tonbridge Invicta Hurricanes 0    Wandle Wanderers 3   Sunday 13^th January 2008

Grey skies but no rain! As the Hurricanes took to the field against  Wandle Wanderers.

The first half was a hard fought battle between the two sides with both defences keeping attacks at bay.  Will Clark and Sam Greehy were marshalling the back four successfully with Luke Bohanan and Henry Partridge concentrating and tackling well on the flanks.  When Wandle did manage to get a good strike on goal early on, Stanley made a fine save.  With fifteen minutes gone Wandle nearly broke the deadlock.  A break down their left wing saw their forward take the ball round Stanley leaving the goal open. He seemed certain to score but he hadn’t counted on the Dynamic Duo: Will and Sam had shot back to prevent the danger and as the ball was about to cross the line Will intercepted the ball knocking it against the post and Sam blasted the re-bound to safety! Great defending.

Up the other end, not so much was happening.  Kane Joseph had a couple of threatening runs and Matthew Gibbs managed to half-connect with a failed defensive-clearance, momentarily worrying the keeper, but on the whole the Wandle defence was holding steady.  Five minutes before half time Wandle took the lead with a good shot from the edge of the area.  0-1 at half time.

The second half was again closely contested but Wandle had the edge.  Stanley put in a fantastic performance in goal, making a string of top-class saves, even saving when one of the Hurricane’s defenders sent the ball goalward!  Wandle pressure told though and they scored two more before the end.  Hurricanes didn’t give up though and, in fact, in the closing minutes of the game had the ball in the back of the Wandle net;  a typical crashing, hurtling tackle from Will sent the ball forward to Kane, who coolly turned and curled the ball round the keeper from 20 yards, into the net.  Offside, unfortunately.

A good fighting display from the Hurricanes with the defence taking the honours.  A great improvement on the 1-6 score line when last we played Wandle.

Next week:  the league leaders!

Man of the Match, as voted by the supporters:  At his very best!  Superb goalkeeping from:  Stanley Hill.