FC Heat vs GSH, JULY 2008 NIGHT OF CHAMPIONS P.P.V

Two team’s who wanted the taste of being season 06 WINNERS, both have gained promotion and there is not too much to choose between the teams but only one could leave the Night of Champions REDS Cup Winners.

It was a slow start to the game which saw both teams trading possession as they settled into their surroundings. Heat twice runners up in this competition started with an attacking line up with key defender Steve Bolas warming the bench. All seemed to be ok as Heat moved the ball well but with no real end product and it was GSH’s Martin who saw the first glimpse of the white sticks but his shot was way of target. Heat’s attacking force Jason Wigmore was starting to probe in his usual fashion and a break down the left resulted in a mediocre shot parried away by Chinny but his parry went straight to Kyle who should have opened the account but was weak in his effort and Chinny was able to collect.
It was all Heat at this point and Chinny pulled off a fantastic reflex save to deny Heat’s Rich Slack but as Heat attacked, GSH were starting to counter and a pre warning was handed to Heat as Hayden pulled of his man to lash wildly over from 6 yards. Hayden again was pulling the ragged Heat defence in all directions and this time Hayden broke down the right and hit a wicked drive which forced Luke Maslin to pull a save from the top draw to deny him. But the writing had been on the wall and GSH broke down Heat’s left and as Kyle pulled towards the ball he left his man Hayden free and Martin slipped a square pass which was easily dispatched by the GSH forward 1-0.

Heat responded with attacks of their own but again found Chinny unbeatable with the keeper pulling of a double save amongst his array of stops, it seemed Heat were running out of ideas as GSH took over the tempo of the game playing in their usual ‘frustrating’ style maybe not pleasant on the eye but certainly effective and 6 minutes of dominance was rewarded with a second goal again it was Hayden doing the damage. It was all GSH going into the break and they were unlucky not to extend their lead to 3 as Mark crashed a shot against the upright much to the delight of Luke in the Heat goal.

A tactical change saw the introduction of Bolas and his instant calming aura gave Heat the impetus to mount attacks early on in the second half.
It was Jason Wigmore who finally beat Chinny however the shot stopper was at fault as a poor throw out allowed Jason to slot home. GSH decided to shut up shop and protect their one goal advantage they were defending with real resolute and Heat was just unable to prise the door open no matter what they tried. As the final whistle approached Heat were getting desperate and their attacks more ragged as the frustration started to set in Rich Slack saw a superb effort pushed away by the impressive Chinny but maybe we spoke to soon as another mistake by the keeper allowed Jason to equalise which set up a nail biting final 3 minutes.
Heat dominated the 3 minutes but were unable to win the game and penalties loomed and in fact they decided the game.

Action

Jason scores

Anyone for a dance?

Spot the Ball!?

Caveman Craig

Maslin dictates

Unlucky Chinny

Maslin awaits pen

Hayden steps up

Chinny saves!!