Modus Hopper Random: A Game of Gust-a-Minute at Holyport

Sunday, 17 August 2014

A Game of Gust-a-Minute at Holyport

Hopperational details

Date & Venue

Sunday 17 August at Summerleaze

Result

Holyport 2 Abingdon United 2

Competition

FA Cup Extra Preliminary Round

Hopping

Ground 541, the third FA Cup tie of the weekend, chosen as the shortest journey distance-wise if not time-wise due to the dreaded M25 western section.

Pre-match preparation

Both clubs play at Step 5 in the Hellenic League, and neither have a win. Holyport’s league campaign has started with two defeats and Abingdon have one sole point from a draw and a defeat. But (all together now…) THIS COUNTS FOR NOTHING IN THE CUP.

This match in one sentence

Abingdon were ahead but eventually had to settle for a replay, as the rain stayed away but the wind gets the assist for Holyport’s crazy equaliser

So what?

The aforementioned replay is on Tuesday evening. The winners will have a home tie against Egham Town.

The drama unfolds

Sam Jones tapped in after a well-worked move down the left to give the home side the lead midway through the first half. 1-0 after 23 minutes

Suddenly the wind seemed to pick up and playing conditions became trickier. It was blowing sideways across the pitch towards the dugouts. I was on my customary lap of the perimeter and at the other end when Anaclet Odihambo equalised for United just a few minutes later. 1-1 after 29 minutes

I took my first clip and the effect of the wind on a cross led to a fumble by the home keeper that needed a last-ditch clearance. Holyport are in claret and green.

Abingdon adjusted to the conditions better at first and substitute Graham Edney was unlucky when he hit the bar. 1-1 at half-time

The visitors took the lead with Odihambo’s second goal, a really cool finish when the defensive line was broken. 1-2 after 52 minutes

Steve Davis almost scored unintentionally for Abingdon when the wind turned his cross into a shot, but it played an even bigger part in the equaliser. Thomas Kaill sent a freekick well wide of the goal, quite deliberately I would suggest, and the vicious curve deceived the keeper for the kind of equaliser I last saw in the Faroe Islands! 2-2 after 77 minutes

My second clip shows Davis trying to repeat his set piece feat from a little closer – he hits the angle of post and bar and maybe it was fair enough that this game ended all square. Final score 2-2

Ground Pix

This is a lovely location for a fine afternoon – if you visit, make sure you have a look at the map because this ground is tucked away at the end of a track, through a cricket club, if you follow the satnav route. It is worth it.