1s secure another league victory

Determined to gain back to back league victories, Hillhead 1st XI went into their home fixture against Inverleith with a different feeling within the squad, one of confidence and inner-belief. The boys in black were quite right in doing so, as they started the game with a level of tempo and control akin to that of a team at the top-end of the league. The game also welcomed the return Hillhead young gun Euan “wee-man” Cochrane and kiwi veteran Craig “Craigo” Paterson; as well as the newly signed Ben “there’s no such thing as too tight” Walker, who was making his national league debut for the home side after being signed in the summer transfer window on a free.
Midway through the first half, Hillhead’s dominance was finally converted into something of value, as a beautifully executed slip-left short corner was deflected into the goal by the man on form: Graeme “quick game of zip-boing-bounce?” Campbell.

Inverleith were certainly not ready for giving up; however, as they gradually clawed their way back into the game, executing a very high full-press onto the newly assembled Hillhead back-line.  Shortly before the break, the home sides composure on the ball eventually became their downfall, as they failed to play out of the Inverleith tactical trap, and the purple robes won their first short corner of the game. The corner, intended to be executed as a direct drag-flick, took an unfortunate nick off number one runners stick. The Hillhead defence, and on-form goal-keeper Jamie “King of the Oche” Frail, could only watch as the ball travelled agonisingly into the roof of the net. 

HT: 1-1.

With the game now a much more contested affair, Hillhead were adamant not to let another game slip out of their grasp and see another three-points pass them by. And, with the competition of the match increasing, out came the cards as Inverleith were reduced to ten men. Was this to be the hornet’s opportunity to send a sting into the travelling sides impetus? Some neat possession within the Hillhead midfield led to a quick break down the right-hand side of the pitch. A carefully weighted delivery from Craigo across the D, allowed captain Callum “jostle” Duke to expertly stepd in-front his opposing man and caress the ball into the side of the net. With the travelling side still reduced to ten men, the Hillhead backline carefully kept possession to tire out the Inverleith front-line. Picking their correct moments, wave after wave of Hillhead attack threatened to kill the game. Another fast attack down the pitch resulted in the ball eventually falling to Dave “grip it and rip it” Gay, as he smashed the ball off the backboard. BANG: 3-1. Inverleith never quite managed to recover from this point, and a fourth goal was added by Andrew “the backhand bobbler” Black, after a well-placed delivery from Graeme Campbell was met by the sliding Aberdonian.
Hornet’s on the up, FT: 4-1.