HOT SHOT FRANKIE SECURES GREAT AWAY WIN

Frankie didn’t have to go to Hollywood to be a big hit – just to Potton in Bedfordshire! Music pun aside (for younger readers please consult Google to understand this statement!) Frankie Hercules put in a Man of the Match performance with a superb hat-trick to double his tally of goals and earn our best away result of the season.

Too many points have been lost this season because we failed to find the back of the net when we had the chances particularly over the last 6 League matches where we scored just 6 goals and collected only 6 points.

In this match we went in at the break level pegging at 1-1 after hitting the wood work twice and also spurning some great goal scoring chances and there was a concern that we may regret not taking these good opportunities but a blistering start to the second period saw us extend our lead to 3-1 within 6 minutes of the restart and then we shut the door to any hopes of a revival by our hosts with a 4th goal with nearly 30 minutes left to play.

This was a very good team performance and in addition to Frankie’s hat-trick there was a goal from the impressive Jonah Howgego scoring his 2nd goal for the Club. Our midfield were also impressive in keeping our dangerous opponents in check ably supported by our defenders who did particularly well especially as we were missing Dave O’Connor and Lee Stobbs with Jamie Ovington having decided to move onto pastures new.

Our much changed defence saw Harry Jones came in at right back, Adam Sawyer move seamlessly into the middle alongside Harrison Cornick and at left back we welcomed Joel Whitworth another product from our impressive conveyor belt of talent from our Youth Team. All 4 were outstanding with the only blip coming when Potton equalised in the first half, but it was a very impressive finish from Michael King.

From the off we looked well organised and sharp going forward. After only 10 minutes Frankie was played through on goal but his shot went just wide of the far post. But we only had to wait another 9 minutes to open the scoring when Frankie headed home a sumptuous cross from Jack Harvey. Score 0-1.

Potton were dangerous on the break and from crosses and set pieces but Josh Ameganyi, making a welcome return in goal, was well protected by his defenders and when he was called into action his handling was safe and secure. But he could do little to prevent our opponents from equalising in the 26th minute with a well hit accurate shot that flew just inside the post. Score 1-1.

Despite this set back we were quickly back on the attack with Jonah Howgego causing the opposition all sorts of problems down our left wing. One great run saw the youngster skin the centre back and then pick out an unmarked Harry Shepherd who shot just wide of the goal. Five minutes before half time a well worked short corner led to a fine cross from Frankie Hercules which Jack Harvey headed against the bar with the keeper doing very well to palm the loose ball away from danger.

Three minutes later we hit the woodwork again from a Frankie corner with the ball coming off a defender and then smacking against the post and into the arms of a grateful keeper. Potton saw their fair share of the ball and in added time at the end of the first half we managed to head clear a cross that bounced menacingly around our goal area.

We reached half time with the scores level at 1-1 with a feeling of disappointment at not having taken advantage of some great chances. HT Score 1-1.

But any apprehension was soon dispersed within 6 minutes of the restart. Harry Shepherd played a big part with a superb pass that released Jonah who picked out Frankie who slotted home goal number two. A minute later Frankie returned the favour with a fine cross that Jonah tucked away for his 2nd goal for the First Team. Score 1-3.

Max Hercules had the chance to emulate his brother after Jack Harvey set up a good chance with yet another cross from the right but the keeper got down quickly to make a good save. In the 63rd minute the keeper was picking the ball out of the net for goal number four with the Hercules brothers combining with Max the provider and Frankie the finisher for his hat-trick. Score 1-4.

Our hosts made some changes and pressed forward looking for a way back into the game but we were in no mood to let our guard slip and we were able to see out the game without too much trouble. FT Score 1-4.

This was a superb team performance with every player doing their bit. The three points collected moved us up one place to 11th just 4 points behind 6th placed Cockfosters so a few more wins could see us move much further up the table.

This was our 4th League away game on the trot and we don’t have another League game until Wednesday 27th December when we have a local derby at the Michael Anthony Stadium against Aylesbury Vale Dynamos. But before then we entertain Watford at home on Thursday 21st December in The Herts Senior Cup. That is two exciting games to look forward to.

Finally we must pass on our gratitude and appreciation to the officials of Potton United for the warm welcome and the hospitality shown to us.

Team:

TA: Josh Ameganyi, Harry Jones, Harrison Cornick, Adam Sawyer, Joel Whitworth, Jack Harvey, Greg Deer, George Carbery (Capt) (82 Josh Chamberlain), Harry Shepherd (55 Max Hercules), Frankie Hercules (67 Jake Cowley), Jonah Howgego (85 Liam Smyth).

Scorers:

PU: Michael King (26)

TA: Frankie Hercules (19, 50, 63), Jonah Howgego (51)

Crowd: 105