"Thermals for some of us to add some warmth against a biting wind but at least the sun shone brightly for this game. Not much between the teams in the first half. Nailsea not up to our usual standard in the early part of the game but nevertheless took the lead after one of the HCV defenders made a great save (unfortunately with his hands) pushing a net bound shot over the bar. Jerry Randall stepped up to convert the penalty after 15 minutes. HCV then won a penalty of their own shortly before half time as their forward and the Nailsea keeper Em both went for the same ball; Em adjudged by the ref to take the legs of the forward. A really well taken penalty low into the left corner was out of reach of Em who guessed the right way. 1-1. Nailsea came out stronger in the second half and started to play with more confidence. Our efforts were finally rewarded with a strike from Mark Wright to restore the lead. A third followed soon after. Jerry Randall hit a looping shot goal-wards resulting in a game of head tennis and volleyball between Pete Overton and the HCV keeper. Probably not goal of the season but Pete's determination finally paid off as he managed to tap the ball over the line to make it 3-1. HCV had a couple of late chances but Nailsea defense and some soild goal keeping kept the 2 goal lead. Mark Evans responded first to a rebound in the box to convert the 4th and seal what turned out to be a comfortable win.
HCV are a good team and good bunch of lads. Pleased most could make it back to Sawyers for a pint and a curry. They just need to have a word with their player who decided to elbow then punch one of our guys in the face. The ref didn't see it otherwise that's the sort of behaviour that deserves a sending off."
HC Voyager FC Report:
" Sadly not there for the game but from what i hear it was a good encounter marred by some occasional strong challenges and unfortunately some retaliation on our part, which isn’t normally part of our game so apologies. A fine opposition whose main intent before the game was to ensure we partook in food and beers in the pub afterwards which most of our players I hear did. Good luck for 2018"
