9-3: M2s vs Inverleith 2s (Regional 1) - 22/10/22
Hillhead on fire, Regional 1 is terrified
Hillhead took to the slippery sand pitch at GHK knowing another victory would cement their status as title challengers ahead of a tough run of fixtures against their contenders. Only Ross Wilson, Alan Meikle, Murray McVicar & Graeme Campbell survived from the hard fought victory over Edinburgh uni a fortnight ago with that youthful squad being replaced with more experienced heads. Regulars Matt Wilson & Chris Wilson returned to complete the lineup of Wilson triplets while there were first appearances of the season for Jed, Jordan and Jamie (The Holy Goalie). Defensive rocks Ally Deas and Michael Sherry returned at the back and the squad was boosted by the additions of Kyle, Stewart, Murray R & Andy Hilton. There would also be a Hillhead Debut for Chris Moon.
Hillhead started the game strongly, with Meikle and Hilton running the Inverleith midfield ragged. However, many a chance would come and go as Campbell tested the keeper multiple times as he pulled off some wonderful saves. However, it would be Murray Ross who would go on to break the deadlock with a smart finish before Jordan snatched onto a loose ball to make it 2-0 at the end of the first quarter. Solid Start. Hillhead were relentless, chasing after every ball in an attempt to put the game to bed as early as possible. However, when chasing a ball heading off the sideline Chris Moon was going so fast he couldn’t stop himself from running into a goal at the side of the pitch. With blood dripping down his face it was clear it would be a short debut as he headed off to the hospital for stitches. DOD material surely?
Hillhead looked to press on from there as they continued to dominate possession. Eventually it would tell as Sherry had the opportunity to drag flick the ball past the helpless keeper. Surely the game was won and Hillhead could relax. However, in the closing seconds of the half Inverleith finally decided to contribute to the game as they counter-attacked and their 5 foot tall forward was there to tap in at the back post. As the whistle blew for half time Coach Campbell was keen to emphasise the importance of the next goal, knowing it could dictate the direction of the game…
And so the second half began as Hillhead pushed the ball back. However, an unfortunate misplaced pass led to Inverleith being through on goal only 8 seconds into the half, allowing their forward to smash the ball past Jamie, making it 3-2. Not ideal. Was the comeback on?
No.
Hillhead bounced back from this, spurning a couple of chances before Campbell drove down the left, before squaring a deflected pass to McVicar who would knock home a delicious upright reverse. Hillhead were back in charge and hungry for more goals. Moments later Matt Wilson hit a searching ball towards McVicar who collected it on the stretch before pinging the ball into the bottom corner past the keeper. Double bang. The lads would continue to press on as Murray Ross grabbed a second with an excellent deflection from a short corner and McVicar would complete his hat trick before the quarter was up, tapping in at the back post as Campbell laid it on a plate for him.
Hillhead went into the final quarter 7-2 up knowing the game was over although once again Coach Campbell demanded the lads be ruthless and rack up the GD. Once again, it was McVicar who was in the right place at the right time as he smacked the ball into the goal from mere inches out, grabbing his fourth, making sure he let everyone know as he ran back to the half way line. Following this, the game opened up as Inverleith received a green card for a silly foul, allowing the pitch to open up for Meikle to power the ball past the keeper into the net. A goal to cap off a distinguished performance for the Hillhead Stalwart. However, the game would finish 9-3 as Inverleith would score a goal which definitely wasn’t controversial at all.
The winning streak goes on and Hillhead 2s begin to make their mark as the team to beat in Regional 1.