Hounslow Wolves v Harrow Hive

16th January

Hounslow Wolves 0-1 Harrow Hive

All good things must come to an end, and the XI run has ended. After an incredible undefeated streak stretching back to October 31st.  The XI went down 1-0 to a very well drilled Harrow Hive at Cranford this week making the harsh reality of football clear, this could be a season defining moment 

XI rocked up to Cranford buoyant for another solid performance after last weeks nail-biter. We were fortunate to see a lot of players returning, giving the XI quite possibly the strongest back line of the season, easily mistaken for a first team – Rahul, Vik, Jagz, Arun and Rose. The issue however was going forward and was clear to see it may be a struggle – Only 2 goals in the starting team suggested it may be a struggle to score; and so it was proven 

The depth of the squad was only too clear – Majid, Dabeer and Yas making up the 14 showed the quality on show, and against a team that hadn’t won since 17th October, we had no reservations. XI kicked off and dominated for 20 minutes, probably the best start of the season. No real clear cut chances, but the energy from the wingers was a real threat with Ash, Raj and Gugs always lurking to drive from the middle. However, as per the XI season story so far, the longer the game went the less it looked like we were going to score. Despite some pretty play, we never looked like scoring.  Wolves did something they don’t normally do – started mucking around with formations. Arun went CM and then upfront. Ash went right mid, attacking mid and upfront. Majid came on. Rose played anywhere. It was a disaster and showed why we don’t do it. You cant force results. If players are letting you down, you cant sacrifice others. Its not fair and it doesn’t solve anything. We cant afford to let each other down 

It was ever going to be a 1 goal game, an Harrow nicked it late in the first half. Not many other chances during the game, but any sniff of an attack was dealt with well by MOTM Kieren., 

Can talk about the ref making wrong decisions again, but the blame lies with us

Everyone talks a good game, but when it came to knuckling down, we were left wanting. A team that hasn’t won in 7, against a team that hasn’t lost in 7. Playing a team, who we beat in preseason without a keeper. You cant take football for granted. 

 

MOTM: Kieren