Eaton Socon 3, Hardwick 2

9th August 2016 :: Cambs FA County League Kershaw Premier

And so it all begins, nine months of blood, sweat and tears. And Eaton gave all of those with a hard battled win over a very good Hardwick side. The first half saw both sides trade blows with Hardwick having plenty of the ball but failed to really trouble the Eaton goal. Eaton though had the first clear chance when Williams headed wide from a Morris corner. Heron then headed wide for Hardwick but both sides went in at the break content to be level and in the game.

The second half was end to end with both sides playing quick attacking football. Eaton broke the deadlock on 53 minutes when Rhys Williams bundled the ball over the line after a goalmouth scramble. This lead was however short lived when Hardwick drew level on 61 minutes when confusion in the Eaton back four allowed the Hardwick forward to score past Wale. Hardwick then took the lead on 65 minutes when a ball back across the Eaton box was bundled home by Heron. This could have been the signal for Eaton to collapse but a minute after they fell behind Ben Wilks prodded home after a great cross from Micky Banbury. This then gave Eaton the confidence to throw everything at Hardwick and on 74 minutes a great kick from Wale caused pandemonium in the Hardwick defence and Bassett found Wilks who smashed the ball home to give Eaton the lead. The last 12 minutes saw Hardwick throw caution to the wind but they failed to carve out any real chances.

Eaton saw the game out to pick up three great points. Ryan Whittingham was man of the match. Great evening for the Eagles.