5-2: M4s vs Helensburgh 1s (WD1) - 09/09/23
Hillhead bask in the sun along the Costa Del Clyde
After a great pre-season preparation with closely fought friendly matches against hand-picked opponents, captain Jamie Westwood’s squad were fit and ready for their first league match of the season against Helensburgh 1s. The fours were without Euan Hedley, Ruairidh Hall, Alex Flockhart and Dan Ebbatson for the trip doon the watter. Andy MacLaine reinforced the midfield, fresh from his wine and cheese consuming marathon endeavours in Southern France. Captain Jamie Westwood performed his own medical fitness test and passed himself fit to lead his charges out.
The match started . . . . . . . , well I have no idea, as a combination of roadworks and Sunday drivers meant that the team’s old boys arrived late for the start. An unforgiving ‘Burgh side insisted on a sharp opening to proceedings, leaving Hillhead light on the bench. As MacLaine and Meikle lathered on the raljex and looked on it was clear that ‘Burgh were keen on a fast start to unsettle the young Hillhead squad, however, a strong defensive rearguard limited their chances in the opening exchanges. The game came to life halfway through the first half, with Harry Watson deflecting a 40 metre pass from Meikle into the bottom corner. Lightning was to strike twice moments later with an almost carbon copy finish from Watson with Meikle the provider again. A feather-like touch enough to turn the ball home. Terrific predatory instincts by the young winger. Hillhead were flying at 2-0 and growing with confidence.
Despite their lead, Helensburgh were continuing to cause Hillhead problems with swift and incisive counter attacks. With the midfield at sixes and sevens, they owed a debt to their defence and the excellent work of 14 year-old goalkeeper Bryce for maintaining a lead let alone a two goal lead. Hillhead should have been three goals up and home and dry had it not been for one of the greatest saves I have ever witnessed. Caldow, eyeing the goalkeeper diving low to his left, coolly changed his stance to flick the ball against the diving keeper only for the keeper to flick a stick up to deflect the ball away. An incredible piece of skill which had everyone on the field aghast and in disbelief. The importance of this save was underlined further when Helensburgh opened their account for the season, reacting quickest after a goal-mouth melee.
Halftime: Helensburgh 1 – 2 Hillhead
Having outlined the importance of the next goal in deciding the outcome of the match Hillhead tweaked their tactics, becoming more compact in midfield and with more height in attack. This different approach duly paid off as captain Westwood finished a solo run off neatly, restoring Hillhead’s two goal lead. Brimming with confidence and sensing fatigue setting in amongst their opponents, Hillhead scored a vital fourth goal, courtesy of Alan Meikle. Wave after wave of attack were to follow for both teams, with more space opening up as bodies tired. Hillhead’s defence won these exchanges, allowing Hillhead to score a deserved fifth goal, courtesy of Stuart Caldow. With the victory assured, Hillhead were disappointed to concede a second goal with the last touch of the match. That was certainly not what the defensive unit deserved in what was a superb rear-guard action.
Final score: Helensburgh 2 – 5 Hillhead
MOTM: Seb Zante
