I'm very disappointed not to win today, never mind lose, but I can't agree with some of our supporters on Twitter saying we were "unlucky" or didn't deserve to lose". We pretty much did everything we needed to for four fifths of the game but never created another chance after taking the lead, whereas Hornchurch found a way to win even after falling behind with less than 20 minutes to go. They demonstrated why they've only been beaten once in 30 league games, and why they're so far ahead at the top of the table. Our performance would surely have been worth at least a point against any other team in the division, but if we're serious about winning promotion we must do better.
Hornchurch started strongly but we defended solidly to prevent them creating any real chances. Once Hamlet settled into the game all the chances were being created at the right end. Their keeper made an outstanding save to block a stinging shot from Egan with a strong hand at full stretch, and he was tested on at least two other occasions while a Chambers header hit the outside of the post and a Scott effort was blocked on the line. Seven minutes before half time we were punished for a momentary lapse as Shokunbi had his pocket picked in the right back position by centre forward Akinwande, who gave our defence a torrid time on his previous visit to Champion Hill for Hastings back in August. The muscular striker forced his way inside and fired off a rising shot that Constable parried but was headed in on the rebound from point blank range.
The second half opened with Jeffrey shooting just wide of the near post, then five minutes later we were level. Wanadio seemed to be holding onto the ball for two long on the left edge of the penalty box, twisting and turning under pressure and ignoring the easy option of a short pass out to Jeffrey, then he suddenly threw off his marker and whipped a deadly curling shot into the net via the inside of the far post. We were close to going ahead when a long cross to the far post was met with a thumping header by Chambers, but the keeper reacted sharply to tip it over the bar when it had almost gone past him. For 20 minutes or so Hamlet were on top and made them look ordinary. This spell of supremacy climaxed when a great pass out of the centre circle from Scott released Braham-Barrett on the overlap down the right touchline, he pulled a low cross back towards the penalty spot for Mills to arrive on cue and sweep a first time shot past the keeper. I'll have a moan now abut what happened next. Our who team ran over to the corner for an indulgent celebration that lasted far too long. Then they all began returning to their own half except Jeffrey, who began laboriously began retying his laces while the referee stood over him, motioning that the watch had been paused. It was well over two minutes before we were ready to resume, by which time Hornchurch had been able to prepare two substitutes who were now ready to come on. Our delaying tactics effectively gave them a free time out and a chance for their manager to ask us new questions. Hamlet never regained any momentum and within 3 or 4 minutes of play finally restarting a speculative long range shot sook a deflection for a corner. We never properly cleared the delivery and the loose ball was volleyed into our net from around 12 yards out. Hornchurch had forced quite a lot of set pieces throughout the game and we'd dealt really well with the aerial thread of their imposing centre back Ryan Scott, a regular scorer from such situations and into double figures for the season, but just two minutes later we came unstuck again, as another corner was glanced in by one of those substitutes, the smallest man on the pitch.
The number of points we've dropped from winning positions this season has been shocking and today we were taught an especially harsh lesson by opponents who are already where we aspire to be.
When he came out for the second half he was having a lot of friendly bantz with the Hornchurch fans, I wonder what happened after?
Probably just one or two mindless idiots spoiling it, like the individual(s) who stole Hashtag's media equipment a few weeks ago.
at the moment?
