Herne Bay United retain National Championship Title!
Date: 12th June 2010; Venue; Pier Pavilion
HBU had a winner takes all game against Middlesbrough RHC, who have been keeping the pressure on United throughout the season and were intent on taking the National League title away from United.
United needed a draw to stay on track for retaining the title but a win would have secured the League with a game left to play. A good crowd fuelled the atmosphere with hooters and even a South African vuvuzela and were rewarded with a great match!
United were back to full strength with Simon Hosking in the line up that was far from 100% fit, Neil Austin also carried a hand injury and Brendan Barker with a niggling back injury, all three were in the starting line up with Dendy Hudson and Dave Garlick in goal.
United started strongly with an unstoppable deflection by Barker set up by Austin. United looked strong playing the ball around with purpose, but an unsighted shot from Owen Stewart caught Garlick low on the near post put Middlesbrough back in the game and filled with confidence. United continued with a switch in defensive tactics and though with the majority of chances but not all, and both teams’ keepers making fine saves, both defences remained strong the game stayed tight. Barker failed to finish his awarded penalty and missed a number of other chances it was Austin, already with an assist, to step up and give United the lead into the break with four minutes to go.
The second half saw Middlesbrough quick to put the pressure back on with Owen getting his second of the game through a penalty. Barker quickly put United back in front but again failed from the spot to capitalise with the presented situation and increase the lead.
Middlesbrough again got a lucky break with a quick equaliser with a shot way wide taking a deflection of a United defender catching Garlick off guard. United again built up play with chances falling to both teams but keepers keeping the game alive. United’s captain Hosking was awarded a direct free hit through accumulative team fouls, and he made no mistake and finished confidently again giving United the lead for the fourth time in the game. Middlesbrough again would not lay down and with two quick goals resulting from United defensive errors and well finished by Owen with his hat-trick and captain John Jones saw the advantage swap for the first time and United now chasing.
Hosking again brought United back with his second finish from the spot when a strong physical tackle by Marc Rutland saw him sin binned. Again United fell behind when Sam Kay finished a good passing move. The pressure in the closing stages paid dividends and United’s experience, after Owen failed his chance to put daylight between them from the spot, and Neil Austin with his second catching Dan Palmer unaware with a flick up and hit putting United level with 2 minutes to go.
United began to hold the ball playing for the draw happy to play safe for the remaining minutes, but a trip and Middlesbrough’s 3rd blue card saw United awarded a Direct free hit with a minute to go and Austin confidently beat Palmer for his hat trick in this encounter and which earned him ‘man of the match’ and United retaining the National Premier League title.
Manager Phil McVey was happy with the result and said “Middlesbrough played well and made life very difficult. We stayed strong and never gave up and took the win when the chance came to us. Yes we were not as good as we have been on other occasions but we have won and have been part of an epic game. Yes, on analysis we failed big chances and looking on those failures we still managed the win.
We would really like to thank all our sponsors and support we have received this season from J & J recruitment, Capital & County, MTM Drains, Federal Hockey Equipment and Kent County Council for without their support all we have achieved would not be possible.”
It is expected over the coming weeks United will be confirming new sponsorship deals for the next season and looking for other local businesses to support them in continuing to be the team to beat in the UK.
United now face HBU 2 in their final game of the League and then no National games until Cup Finals at the Pier Pavilion on 24th July. This is likely to be a rematch of this weekend against Middlesbrough who first have to play Halifax in the Semi final on the 19th June. United will have local Kent League matches on the run up to this dates. For a schedule of next games please go to www.hernebayunited.com.
Teams, HBU: Jay Williamson & David Garlick (gks), Joe Singleton, Karl Smith, Myles Barker, Joel De Figueiredo, Simon Hosking(cap)(2), Neil Austin (3), Dendy Hudson, Brendan Barker(2), David Garlick
Middlesbrough: Gary Todd, John Jones(cap)(1), Will Smith, Marc Rutland, Grant Zaccaria, Owen Stewart(3), Peter Lonsdale, Sam Kay(1), Michael Ableson(1), Dan Palmer
