0-4: M1s vs Western Wildcats (Premiership) - 25/09/22

Auchenhowie was the venue for an entertaining contest as Hillhead first XI took on reigning Premiership champions Western Wildcats this sabbath.

The team travelled with heavy legs but lightened spirits following their first win of the season at home to Dunfermline Carnegie the prior day. Some strong additions boosted the ranks including Iestyn Rhys Howorth, Jimmy Lynch Large and Graeme Campbell and after a professional warm-up, the troops were ready for battle.

A competitive start saw Hillhead contain Wildcats to few out-and-out chances. Some strong running in the midfield from Tom Kemsley and Andrew Black led to promising circle penetrations for Hillhead but rushed forward play led to a lack of outcomes. Quarter time, 0-0.

The defensive shift continued into the second quarter with every Hillhead player putting their bodies on the line. Shoutout to Sean Horgan for extending this mentality to stopping a ferocious Western strike with his throat and playing on. Dedication. However, as the quarter progressed, the PC conceded counter was creeping up and Western got their reward through a well taken set piece to leave it 0-1 at half time.

After some tactical adjustments and words of encouragement from Keith Joss, Hillhead re-entered the fray re-energized and rejuvenated. Some strong chances were created including a number of penalty corners generated off direct running from the forwards. Jude Boslem struck the post (via a completely accidental deflection from a swinging Matt Carder stick) and also missed a gilt-edged chance with the goal gaping following a Ruari Thomson square pass. However, a breakaway goal left the score at 2-0 at the end of the third quarter.

Hillhead started to increase the pressure and cracks were showing. A particularly wayward pass off the backline from ex-first XI captain Callum Duke summed up the mounting pressure on the Western defence, and a number of heavy fouls forced the umpires to reach into their pockets. Unfortunately, as Hillhead pushed on to close the gap, Western’s quality showed as a quick breakaway created their third and ended the contest. A last-second drag flick added gloss to the score-line but in truth, 4-0 flattered Western following a hard-fought contest.

Thanks must go to the rousing Hillhead support whose boisterous cheers on the sidelines ensured that the workrate didn’t drop for a second. Further shoutouts to Tom ‘Traffic Lights’ Kemsley for not getting a card, Graeme Campbell for breaking up play superbly in the midfield and Man of the Match Sean Horgan for his work rate and commitment at the back.

MoM: Sean Horgan

DoD: Ruari Thomson