Hoppo’s Hattrick Earns a Point
7th September 2019
West Bridgford FC vs Sherwood Colliery FC
East Midlands Counties League
Final Score West Bridgford FC 3 Sherwood Colliery FC 3
Bridgford earned a good point against league leaders Sherwood Colliery at Regatta Way today.
Sherwood came into the game with a 100% record in their first five league matches and promised to offer the sternest test of the season to Bridgford.
Bridgford were playing at home for the first time but did not get the start that they were looking for when on 8 minutes the Sherwood left winger got in behind and squared for Theakstone to bundle the ball home.
The remainder of the first half was an even contest. Sherwood favoured a direct ball up to their strong forwards, whilst Bridgford looked to play through Rae and Oldham down the flanks. The game was an intiguing watch but lacked clear chances for either side.
On the stroke of half time Hopkinson powerfully burst into the area and was hauled to the ground by his marker. Hopkinson himself got up to convert the penalty, via the inside of the post to send the sides into the interval all square.
Half Time West Bridgford 1 Sherwood Colliery 1
The second half saw the game begin to open up and both sides started to create clear chances.
Oldham nearly converted from a fine cross from Ryan Wheatley, whilst Curtis for Sherwood went through on goal and dragged his shot wide.
The pace of the game was building with both sides looking for the win and made for a great game.
On 73 minutes Sherwood controversially retook the lead. A corner was headed back across goal to York, who appeared to have used his hand to put the ball home, the home complaints were dismissed and Sherwood moved ahead 2-1.
The lead wasn’t to last though and just 3 minutes later a strong run down the right from the tireless Oldham saw him pull the ball back to Williamson who delivered a perfect deep cross at speed to the back post, where Hopkinson had pulled off his marker and planted his header expertly past the Sherwood keeper for a quality second goal for Bridgford.
This game was far from settled yet though, on 83 minutes a cross field ball found Wiesztort for Sherwood whose first touch took him in behind the defence and he prodded past Fogg to put the league leaders ahead for the third time in the game.
Undeterred, Birdgford continued to press forward and following a corner, a scramble in the box saw Terry have his shot blocked with the rebound falling to Oldham who was felled by a rash attempted block and the referee awarded Bridgford their second penalty of the game.
That man Hopkinson stepped up again, sent the keeper the wrong way and scored his and Bridgford’s third of the day.
There was still time for a smart finger tip save from Fogg to secure the draw before the referee called time on what had been an excellent contest and a really enjoyable watch.
Full Time West Bridgford 3 Sherwood Colliery 3
A great advert for Step 6 football today. Sherwood remain unbeaten but lose their 100% record. Bridgford finish the day on 8 points from 5 games and in 9th place in the table. Next week sees Bridgford host Step 5 club Selston in the second round of the FA Vase. All support welcome for what should be another entertaining match.
There was still time for a smart finger tip save from Fogg to secure the draw before the referee called time on what had been an excellent contest and a really enjoyable watch.
Full Time West Bridgford 3 Sherwood Colliery 3
A great advert for Step 6 football today. Sherwood remain unbeaten but lose their 100% record. Bridgford finish the day on 8 points from 5 games and in 9th place in the table. Next week sees Bridgford host Step 5 club Selston in the second round of the FA Vase. All support welcome for what should be another entertaining match.
