Herne Bay United 1 – 4 AFP Giovinazzo
Location: Pier Pavilion; Time: 20:00; Date: 19th December 2009
Reigning National Champions Herne Bay United played the home leg of their CERS Cup game against Italian side Giovinazzo at the Pier on Saturday night. Ref was from Portugal.
The large crowd in attendance were not disappointed as HBU put on a real fight against their Italian rivals. The game was an extremely hard fought encounter. HBU started well and took the game to Giovinazzo. Neither could break down their opponents defence.
However with 14 minutes remaining in the half the Italians no.6 scored with a well taken finish to make it 0 -1. HBU fought back, but despite Barker, Hosking, Hudson and Jackson all having clear chances to score the Italians held firm and at half time the score was 0 – 1.
The second half was as hard fought as the first. United’s Joel Defiguerado picked up a blue card within the first 13 seconds of the half. This meant a Direct Free Hit was awarded to the visitors and United were reduced to 3 men for 2 minutes. United keeper (David Garlick) saved the Direct Free Hit and United’s 3 out players defended heroically to keep the Italians out until the time penalty was served and they could get another player on. The game then settled back down with both teams looking very evenly matched. Then with 18 minutes remaining Barker picked up a blue card and a 2 minute sinbin. Again Garlick saved the Direct Free Hit and the United players managed to see out the power play without conceding. In fact United although a man down created 4 or 5 clear cut chances during the power play, and could have easily levelled but for some fine saves from the Italian Keeper.
Giovinazzo doubled their lead with 16 minutes remaining when their no.7 scored from close range. They went further ahead when their no.4 scored to make it 0 – 3 with 10 minutes remaining. United re-doubled their efforts in attack, with Hosking, Barker & Singleton all coming close. Then with 6 minutes left the home sides attacking endeavours paid off when Simon Hosking beat the Italian defender before rounding the keeper and slotting the ball home to make it 1 – 3. United now had the bit between their teeth and were pressing Giovinazzo all over the rink. Then with 5 minutes to go United striker Sam Jackson unleashed a powerful shot which took a wicked deflection hitting his teammate Neil Austin in the forehead. The game was then stopped for 10 minutes as Austin’s head was split open by the ball, Austin received medical attention and the blood was cleaned up.
When the game resumed although United pressed for another goal, leaving gaps at the back, with 1 minute remaining it was Hosking’s turn to pick up a blue card and a sin bin penalty after a firm challenge. Again Garlick saved the resulting direct Free Hit. However United could not keep the Italians out and with less than a second left on the clock and virtually on the final whistle the Italian no.6 scored to make the final score 1 – 4.
After the game United Captain Simon Hosking said: “We are disappointed not to get the win tonight, we fought them all the way. On another night we might have scored 5 or 6 ourselves. We hope the fans enjoyed it. Tonight was all about the fans.”
United Coach Phil McVey added: “It was an extremely close match which could have gone either way. I am delighted with the performance of the side. We held the ball well, our team game was the best it has been for a couple of years, and we showed the professionals that we can play a bit. The lads were desperate to put on a good showing for the fans. On behalf of all the players I would like to thank all our loyal supporters and all the people who work behind the scene to make these nights happen. I would also like to wish our opponents the very best for their next matches in the CERS CUP.”
HBU Team: Dan Barton, David Garlick (GKs), Neil Austin, Brendan Barker, Sam Jackson, Simon Hosking(1)capt, Dendy Hudon, Karl Smith, Joe Singleton, Joel De Figueiredo.
Phil McVey
