First team match report - 08/09
Bow AAC 2 - 0 Halwill
Bow is always tough place for any team to get any points, but even with the small pitch and terrible surface Halwill started really well. Keeping the ball and playing good football, the visitors were well on top. So it was a huge surprise, when bow took the lead after twenty minutes. Halwill kept their heads though and carried on as before, playing nice neat football and again taking hold of the game. For all their dominance Halwill did not really test the home keeper, but after some superb work down the left Mani Wonnacott lifted a delightful cross into the box. Andy Winser lost his marker with a good run and met the ball six yards out with the keeper stranded and the goal gaping. Halwill thought this was going to be the goal they needed, but winser caught the volley too well and sent it over the bar.
With Halwill still well on top Bow needed something, to stem the flow, and this came in the form of another goal against the run of play. Some good hold up play in the box from the Bow striker, followed by a dinked cross, which was meet by the bow winger at the back stick, was how the goal came and at half time the visitors were shell shocked.
The second half was a bit more even but it was Halwill that had better of the attacking chances, but nothing would bounce for the visitors. With the home side defending for their lives they held out to take the game 2-0.
Team; Pete Holland, Rob Holland, Ben Potter, Darren Martyn, Thomas Ogbourne, Lee Parsons, Adam Buse, Phil Wonnacott, Mani Wonnacott, Andrew Winser, Tom House.
Subs; Fraser House, Chris Barkwill, Ross Slade.
Halwill 8 - 4 Westexe Rovers
The fans at Halwill were treated to a real goal fest, in the spring sunshine, but it was all one way traffic for the first hour. The home side were in dominant mood, and were far superior all over the pitch. Halwill took the lead after only ten minutes through Mani Wonnacott, when he picked up the ball, Drove at the defence and slid the ball past the keeper. The second came soon after, from a slick move down the right. A quick throw from Rob Holland found Andrew Winser Who laid the ball off to Mani Wonnacott, Who smashed the ball past the keeper for his second of the afternoon.
With the home midfield and defence dealing with any thing Westexe had to throw at them, it was only a matter of time before Halwill extended their lead. The Next goal came from Tom House, who notched his first of the season, which was just what he needed after putting in some impressive performances over the past few weeks. It came as he pressed the defenders clearance which rebounded into his path for a simple finish. Halwill still had time to make it four, before half time, but this time it was not a Halwill Player that put the ball into the net. Again it was House who was doing the hard graft up top, and his hard work paid off when the visitors defence got themselves into a real mess, and eventually put through their own goal.
After Half Time it was as you were. The fifth was the best of the game; Adam Buse showed great strength in midfield, to win the ball. Facing his own goal just inside the visitors half, he turned and showed a great turn of pace, drove into the box and slotted the ball left footed into the bottom corner. The home side were soon six up when Tom house grabbed his second. Then the game was turned on its head. It looked as though, things were only going to get worse for the visitors, as they had a man sent off for a second yellow, but this seemed to only inspire Westexe, because they had a golden Fifteen minute spell that brought four goals. With the score at 6-4 Halwill needed to steady themselves, and did with a goal. Mani Wonnacott got his hat trick when he shot low past the keeper.
Mani scored the eighth and his fourth of the day, with an unusual (for Mani) header. In truth this was an easy win for Halwill Who should have got into double figures without reply, but three points is three points.
Team; Bob Morgan, Rob Holland, Ben Potter, Lee Parsons, Thomas Ogbourne, Fraser House, Adam Buse, Phil Wonnacott, Mani Wonnacott, Thomas House, Andrew Winser.
Subs; Tom Coe
Goals: Mani Wonnacott (4), Tom House (2), O.G, Adam Buse,
Alphington 2 - 1 Halwill
Halwill arrived with Alphington bathed in glorious sunshine, but it was the blustery wind that had the greatest effect on the game in the first half. With the visitors playing against the wind, Alphington had their foot on the pedal from the first whistle. The home side took advantage of the wind behind their backs after only ten minutes, when Pete Holland’s goal kick hardly reached the eighteen yard box, and the home attackers pounced to beat the defence and tuck the ball home.
The visitors didn’t let the home side have it their own way after the goal, and started to play some nice football. The only thing letting Halwill down though, was the lack of quality of the final ball. On several occasions, Halwill got themselves into good attacking positions, only to waste the chance with a bad ball, or selfishness in front of goal. Alphington were still looking dangerous though, and with only seconds remaining in the half, Alphington were awarded a free kick twenty yards out, for a very dubious hand ball. The home side took advantage, and curled a low shot around the wall and into the bottom corner of the goal.
Manager Andy Winser sent the visitors out for the second half with their ears still ringing from some strong words. This seemed to have the desired effect, as Halwill took hold of the game. All of a sudden the visitors were buzzing, and Alphington were looking an ordinary side. Halwill halved the arrears when, after a good move the ball found Luke Potter in midfield, who turned onto his stronger left foot, beat his marker and shot low across the keeper and found the bottom corner.
Halwill were now in search of the equaliser, and it seemed only a matter of time before they got it. The Visitors defence was rarely threatened, but up the other end of the pitch, a mix of good defending, bad refereeing, and bad fortune, Halwill could not level the scores, and Alphington held out to take all three points.
Team; Pete Holland, Rob Holland, Ben Potter, Darren Martyn, Thomas Ogbourne, Fraser House, Adam Buse, Phil Wonnacott, Luke Potter, Mani Wonnacott, Tom House.
Subs; Chris Barkwill, Andrew Winser.
Goals: Luke Potter
Willand Rovers 2 - 0 Halwill
This was always going to be a tough match for the visitors against a side who must be favourites to win the league. This said however, the visitors more than matched their hosts for the entire match, and if they had taken their chances, could, and maybe should have won. The first half was mainly the two sides cancelling each other out, but Halwill did create the best chances, when Lee Parsons failed to hit the target from the edge of the box, and Andy winser should have done better when he was put through.
The second half started with Willand putting a lot of pressure on the visitor’s goal, but the return of Phil wonnacott between the sticks was proving too good for the home side. He made three or four top class saves to deny Willand, and after Halwill had weathered the storm they started to get back into the game. Halwill again were creating good chances to score. Fraser house shot wide from inside the box, but the best chance fell to Steve Pitts, who waltzed into the box, and after a one two with winser should have scored from six yards out but failed to even hit the target.
With only fifteen minutes to go Halwill were looking good for at least draw, but again Willand were putting on the pressure, and managed to grab a goal from a very good move that carved the Visitors midfield and defence in half. Halwill didn’t let their heads drop though and continued to play good football, but when Willand scored a few minutes from the end, the game was up.
Team; Phil Wonnacott, Rob Holland, Darren Maryn, Ben Potter, Simon Veale, Steve Pitts, Lee Parsons, Thomas Ogbourne, Fraser House, Andrew Winser, Tom House.
Subs; Mani Wonnacott.
Halwill 2 - 0 Bow AAC
This game is the nearest these teams will get to being in a local derby this season, so there was a lot to play for. Bow had been going well in the league, riding just above Halwill in the table. The game started very even with neither side giving an inch. Halwill made a change to their goal keeper, opting for Pete Holland between the sticks, so that Phil Wonnacott could use his physical presence in midfield. This change was working well as Wonnacott was winning everything with his midfield partner Lee Parsons.
Midway through the half the visitors were awarded a penalty, when Bow’s striker was brought down by Rob Holland. Holland though was spared his blushes as his much older brother used all of his experience and delaying tactics to unnerve the penalty taker, who struck his kick wide. The sides went in at half all square.
In the second half it was the home side that finally started to take control of the game, they were better all over the pitch. They made the breakthrough with an hour gone, and what a way to break the deadlock. Halwill were awarded a throw deep in the Bow half, which was smartly controlled by the excellent Tom House. He then laid it off to Parsons who took a touch and volleyed into the top corner.
After this Halwill pushed for the second and it dually came when Craig Darby raced on to a through ball, beating two defenders, and sliding it past the out rushing keeper. This was a pretty comprehensive win for Halwill who can surely take confidence into the tough fixtures coming up.
Team; Pete Holland, Rob Holland, Darren Martyn, Ben Potter, Thomas Ogbourne, Fraser House, Lee Parsons, Phil Wonnacott, Ross Slade, Tom House, Craig Darby. Subs; Andrew Winser, Adam Buse.
Goals: Lee Parsons, Craig Darby
Halwill 1 - 5 Culm Utd
Halwill set out a side to have a real go at their visitors, playing a four, three, three formation, the intent was to go all out attack. This plan however never got off the ground. Playing in the face of a stiff wind first up, Halwill couldn’t get out of their own half, and it wasn’t long before Culm had taken the lead. Playing like a side that was looking for promotion instead of being in lower reaches of the league, the visitors soon were two goals to the good. Halwill already looked out of the match, with Culm playing nice two and three touch football; the home side weren’t getting any of the ball. The visitors were really looking to cash in on Halwill’s tired and sloppy play, and with in twenty minutes were three up.
Despite being three down Halwill started to get themselves into the game, and keeping position of the ball, and started to create a good few chances, but with some poor finishing they could not take advantage. Just as Halwill were looking as though they may get themselves a goal, came the sucker punch that saw the visitors go four in front. This time they scored straight from a Halwill corner. The ball was punted up field for the strikers to chase, but it looked as though the covering defenders would deal with the threat until they made a complete hash of the clearance, allowing the forward a clear run in on goal, who made no mistake. Halwills afternoon was summed up minutes later when the visitors were five up before half time through an own goal.
Andy Winser was not a happy manager at half time and after some stern words expected a reaction. The home side did play a lot better second half with the wind on their backs, but again were spurning their chances. They managed to get a goal back through a soft penalty, which Andy Winser stroked home, but in truth, didn’t deserve to get anything out of this game.
Team; Phil Wonnacott, Rob Holland, Fraser House, Darren Martyn, Ben Potter, Thomas Ogborne, Ross Slade, Craig Darby, Andrew Winser, Thomas House, Mani Wonnacott.
Goals: Andrew Winser
Halwill 1 - 0 Sidbury
This was the second part of the double header between Halwill and the league leaders. The opening minutes were very evenly contested with both teams trying to get on top. Sidbury were looking to take revenge after losing at home and were the first to get hold of the game, although Halwill were pretty comfortable. Once again Ross Slade had the measure of his man and Sidbury were limited to half chances. That was until the visitors had a huge helping hand from the referee. He judged that Halwill’s keeper Lee Parsons (in for Phil Wonnacott) brought down a Sidbury striker in the box. However the striker got his shot off then leaped over Parsons and fell to the floor without any contact being made.
Halwill were still seething as the spot kick hit the back of the net, but this inspired them into action. The home side got on top in the game for the first time, and just before half time got the goal they deserved. A neat through ball found Mani Wonnacott, who took the ball on at pace to beat two defenders, and stroke the ball past the keeper from the edge of the box.
The second period was again very even, but again Halwill felt hard done by when they fell behind for the second time in the game. The referee failed to give Halwill a free kick in midfield and the offending Sidbury player was allowed to strike the ball from distance and beat the keeper. Sidbury’s celebrations brought a booking to one of their defenders for incitement, as Halwill were incensed. Five minutes later the same player received his marching orders after scything down Steve Lewis, to earn his second yellow.
The sending off offered an opportunity for Halwill that they couldn’t take. Sidbury left one up front and put everyone else behind the ball. The home side had a lot of possession but couldn’t find a way through the Sidbury wall. The game fizzled out with the visitors gaining their revenge.
Team; Lee Parsons, Steve Lewis, Ben Potter, Ross Slade, Rob Holland, Craig Darby, Thomas Ogborne, Fraser House, Andrew Winser, Tom House, Mani Wonnacott.
Subs: Steve Pitts, Adam Buse
Goals: Mani Wonnacott
Sidbury 0 - 1 Halwill
Halwill started this game wanting to make an amends for the poor show at Cullompton, and with a few changes to the line up did just that. Against a physical Sidbury side who were well drilled and organised, and who were top of the league, this was always going to be tough. The visitors started brightly, and as the game went on grew in confidence. There were very few chances in opening twenty minutes, but Halwill always looked more threatening as they snuffed out anything that Sidbury had to throw at them. Halwill’s back three of Darren Martyn, Lee Parsons and Ross Slade were in top form and gave the visitors a solid base to build from.
As Halwill grew into the game they created a few half chances at best, but they took a deserved lead midway through the half. The visitors were awarded a free kick, twenty yards out, centre of the goal. Andrew Winser struck the ball as sweetly as he had all season, and the keeper was left clutching at thin air as the ball hit the back of the net.
Halwill made to half time one goal to the good, and with Phil Wonnacott still to make a save in the match. The second period was more of the same, until ten minutes from the end when Halwill started to tire, and Sidbury pushed more bodies up front to salvage something from the game. They started to create a few chances, but no real efforts on goal as the visitors put their bodies on the line to block everything. Robbie Holland headed an effort off the line with five minutes remaining, but Halwill stood firm and took all three points off the league leaders.
Team; Phil Wonnacott, Darren Martyn, Rob Holland, Adam Buse, Lee Parsons, Ross Slade, Thomas Ogborne, Fraser House, Andrew Winser, Mani Wonnacott, Tom House.
Sub: James Sowden.
Goals: Andrew Winser
Cullumpton Rangers 4 - 0 Halwill
Halwill made the trip to Cullompton expecting to get their season back up and running after missing a lot of games because of the weather. Cullompton though had their own ideas and started very brightly. For the first ten minutes Halwill could not get anywhere near their hosts, on what seemed like a massive pitch compared to their own. Halwill were trying to get in the game and earned themselves a corner, and for about five minutes put a lot of pressure on the home goal. Cullompton however held firm and on a counter attack they carved out an opportunity to score. The ball found its way to a Cullompton striker who hit a superb effort, only to see Phil Wonnacott in the visitors’ goal at full stretch to deny him. Unfortunately the keeper could only parry the ball to the feet of another Cully player. Wonnacott sprang to the feet of the home player to deny another effort on goal, but could only take the man and not the ball.
After Cully slotted home the resulting penalty it was all one way traffic, and Halwill were second to everything. Cullompton scored a second when Mani Wonnacott failed to get onto the ball from a long throw. A Cully player nipped in front of Mani on the half way line and hit a speculative shot which sailed high over the defence, and even a fine effort from Phil could not prevent the ball from going in.
A third goal was not far away when Halwill were again sloppy in midfield. Again it was Cully on the front foot, and when a nice ball was played through the home striker made no mistake, driving the ball past Wonnacott from the edge of the box.
Halwill came out for the start of the second period ready to make amends for a terrible first half, but things didn’t get any better. Cullompton scored a fourth with a rasping drive from the edge of the box, then went into cruise control. Cully were rarely threatened for the rest of the game and deservedly took all three points.
Team; Phil Wonnacott, Darren Martyn, Ben Potter, Adam Buse, Fraser House, Lee Parsons, Thomas Ogborne, Ross Slade, Mani Wonnacott, Andrew Winser, Craig Darby.
Sub; Rob Holland.
Broadclyst Social Club 1 - 3 Halwill
Halwill arrived at Broadclyst to the sight of a near frozen pitch, but the referee and the home side seemed desperate to let the game go ahead. Broadclyst were of the thinking that this was a game where they could pick up some precious points to get them out of the bottom two, as they had never lost at home to Halwill. Halwill on the other hand were in a rich vain of form and among the league’s front runners.
As the game started it was obvious that it was going to be fast and physical. The home side had a lot of possession in the opening period but the visitors’ goal was rarely threatened. When Halwill grew into the game and became accustomed to their hosts physical game plan, they started to keep the ball better and looked more dangerous on the attack.
With Halwill’s back four and midfield soaking up everything Broadclyst had to throw at them, it was looking to be the perfect day for counter attacking football. With the home side becoming frustrated, they turned their attention to trying to influence the ref on every decision, including a penalty shout for hand ball which was correctly waved away. With three quarters of the half played Halwill launched another counter attack. The ball went wide to Thomas Ogbourne who drilled the ball hard and low into the box. The near post defender then put out his arm and stopped the ball getting to the danger area which the ref spotted, and duly pointed to the spot. Andy Winser casually placed the ball and stroked the spot kick home.
Halwill had the advantage at half time, but both sides knew it was evenly poised and could go either way. The home team came out for the start of the second half with real strength and pace, and Halwill knew it was going to be a real battle for the whole 45 minutes. Halwill’s back four were playing superbly and with Phil Wonnacott between the sticks they didn’t look like conceding. Again it was Broadclyst that had the lion’s share of possession but it was Halwill who looked more dangerous on the counter. The visitors doubled their lead twenty minutes into the second period when Mani Wonnacott received a long ball, to run at the home defence. He was stopped in his tracks by a Broadclyst defender, but pressure from Winser meant the ball fell back into Mani’s stride. Mani made no mistake this time around and drove into the box, rounded the keeper and tucked the ball into the empty net.
With nothing to lose Broadclyst went all out attack, and their persistent pressure on the referee was starting to have an effect. A ball was delivered into the Halwill penalty area and a desperate scramble was started to try and clear their lines. Andrew Moores made a clean sliding challenge to block a shot, but the dive that followed was just what the ref was looking for to even up the penalty count. With Halwill feeling desperately hard done by it was down to Wonnacott to keep the visitors’ two goal advantage. The home side’s left winger had the pressure on his shoulders, and it turned out to be too much pressure as he made poor contact. The ball without any pace on it was smothered by Wonnacott to notch his first ever penalty save.
It was stating to look like the only way the home side were going to score was going to be with the help of the ref, as the visitors defence and keeper were in inspired form. Wonnacott pulled off a superb reflex save to deny a Broadclyst player’s sweetly struck volley. The ref did give Broadclyst a lifeline moment’s later when he gave another penalty to the home side. A near post flick-on hit Ross Slade on the chest and the ref caved in to pressure from the home side and decided that it struck the arm. This time the home centre forward took the kick, and although Wonnacott got fingers to it, the ball was too firmly struck.
At 2-1 down Broadclyst were back in the game but when Winser substituted himself for Craig Derby it gave Halwill another option up front. With ten minutes remaining the visitors were on the counter again, and this time it was Derby driving into the home side’s penalty area. With only the keeper to beat, Derby drilled the ball powerfully across goal to nestle in the corner.
With the game now up, Halwill soaked up the pressure for the remaining minutes without any trouble, to gain themselves a very well deserved three points.
Team: Phil Wonnacott, Darren Martyn, Ben Potter, Andrew Moores, Rob Holland, Lee Parsons, Thomas Ogbourne, Ross Slade, Fraser House, Andy Winser, Mani Wonnacott.
Subs: Craig Derby, Tom House, Luke Potter.
Halwill 2 - 0 Upottery
The second of the Christmas games for Halwill was nearly a non starter due to a half frozen pitch, but the ref decided it was boarder line but playable. Upottery came into the game at the wrong end of the table, but Halwill knew they were better than the Table suggested. It was a slow start to the game as both sets of players found the conditions difficult to deal with. Neither side looked like scoring, and it was a mistake from the visitors that gifted Halwill their opening goal. One of the visiting defenders played a back pass to the keeper who was put under a bit of pressure from Robbie Holland, but had plenty of time to clear his lines. Unfortunately for him he had a ‘Paul Robinson’ moment, and had a wild slash at the ball only to see it bobble over his foot and into the goal.
Halwill’s second also came in the first half after good work from Mani Wonnacott found Lee Parsons, who made no mistake from close range. The second half was again evenly contested and neither side could make the breakthrough. The only notable chance was Craig derby spurning a chance from eight yards out.
This result lifts Halwill to fourth and in a good position to push on in the second half of the season.
Team; Phil Wonnacott, Andrew Moores, Darren Martyn, Ben Potter, Rob Holland, Lee Parsons, Ross Slade, Thomas Ogborne, Fraser House, Andy Winser, Mani Wonnacott.
Subs; Tom House, Adam Buse, Craig Derby.
Seaton Town 1 - 3 Halwill
Halwill made this long journey on the back of some very good results, and arrived for the first of their festive games full of confidence. Seaton who are always a very strong side were fielding a new strike force that had been signed from near neighbours Beer. The game started with both teams being very evenly matched, with neither side giving away any decent chances. Halwill took the lead midway through the half when they were awarded a free kick just outside the home penalty area. As Seaton were getting them selves organised some quick thinking from Andy Winser and a good run from Lee Parsons was enough to unlock the home defence. Andy put the ball down after spotting Parsons, and slid a diagonal ball through the defence perfectly into the path of the advancing midfielder. All was left was for Parsons to slide the ball past the keeper.
It didn’t take long for the home side to get back onto a level playing field, as a few minutes later they scored one from another set play. They were awarded a free kick out on the left flank, and a good delivery found an unmarked attacker to guide the ball with his head past Phil Wonnacott in the Halwill goal.
Both teams started the second half knowing the game was there for the taking, but it was Halwill who were now proving to be the stronger side. Their midfield and defence were having a much better second half, and it looked like Seaton were going to have to produce something special to break them down. They were also looking good going forward, and produced a second goal, this time from a corner. It was the same combination that fired Halwill in front that produced the goods for their fist goal. This time Parsons lost his marker on a near post run and corner-taker Winser drilled a precision cross for the midfielder to nod home.
This time the home side couldn’t reply, with Halwill’s back four being really solid. Ben Potter came into the side at centre half and was putting in a man of the match performance, as he blocked and tackled everything that came anywhere near him.
Andy Winser made a few changes for the last fifteen minutes in the search of making the game safe with another goal. He took himself off for Tom House; Robbie Holland was replaced by Luke Potter, and Mani Wonnacott for Craig Derby. These changes paid off for the visitors, as they grabbed the all important third with five minutes remaining. A good counter attack from Halwill found Craig Derby, his positive run at the home defence put them under pressure, and his deflected shot found Luke Potter at the back post for a simple tap in.
Team; Phil Wonnacott, Andrew Moores, Darren Martyn, Ben Potter, Rob Holland, Lee Parsons, Ross Slade, Thomas Ogborne, Fraser House, Andy Winser, Mani Wonnacott.
Subs; Tom House, Luke Potter, Craig Derby.
Culm Utd 2 - 4 Halwill
Halwill turned up at freezing Uffculm on the back of what is turning out to be a very good run. With Culm sitting not far from the bottom of the table, Halwill were not exactly expecting the three points, but knew if they played like they have been then there was a real chance that they could go home with them.
With half of the visitors arriving feeling less than 100%, the start was rather slow. The home side seemed to start a bit nervously, but their confidence grew as they started to get the better of their jaded opposition. Neither side created any chances but Culm seemed to be much quicker to first and second ball. Halwill, after about twenty minutes, started to come into the game and Mani Wonnacott had a golden opportunity to put the visitors one up. Running onto a slick through ball, he only had the keeper to beat, and had a number of options of how to do it. But he took none of those options and just kicked it behind for a goal kick
Halwill did take the lead half way through the half through rather fortunate circumstances. Fraser House had the ball on the left and looked up before crossing the ball tamely into the home side’s box. With no one looking like they were going to get on the end of it, it was a formality for the keeper. But as he took his eye off the ball it slipped through his hands and his legs and trickled into the net, sending the visiting bench and supporters into wild celebration.
Five minutes later Mani put Halwill two goals to the good. Making his trademark run from the left flank into the box at pace, he slid the ball past the home keeper. Halwill looked to have shaken off the previous night’s trauma and thought that they had control of the game, but Culm came back at them strongly and had a number of chances to get back into the game. They could count themselves unlucky not to have at least drawn level after they had hit the bar three times. The visitors were still creating some opportunities, with Thomas Ogborne and Ross Slade making some strong runs through the middle. It was on one of these runs that Ross created a chance for Andrew Winser. Winnie ran onto a through ball and struck the ball firmly past the keeper from the edge of the box, to put Halwill three up at half time.
With Darren Martyn struggling with a toe injury from the start, Halwill were forced into making a change for the second half. Rob Holland slotted into the centre half position along side Lyndon Piper as Halwill looked to kick on in the game. The home team started the half very brightly and it was only ten minutes in when Culm grabbed a life line. Halwill failed to close down a shot from just inside the box that left keeper Phil Wonnacott rooted to the spot as it nestled in the bottom corner.
With Culm now putting the visitors under extreme pressure, Halwill were struggling to get hold of the ball like they did in the first half, but did manage to restore their three goal lead against the run of play. Andrew Winser scored his second of the game, when he gave the keeper no chance with a superb first time strike from just inside the box. His celebration was to run straight to the bench and put his track suit on, with Tom House replacing him. He also brought on Adam Buse for Lee Parsons
Culm decided it was time to go all out attack and played what seemed like six up front, and got some reward when they scored their second. Phil Wonnacott superbly tipped an effort onto the bar, but the home side reacted quickest and their striker nodded home from close range. The home side were now pressing hard but with some commanding goal keeping from Wonnacott and some excellent defending from Andrew Moores, who had a superb second half, Halwill held on to their two goal cushion.
Team; Phil Wonnacott, Darren Martyn, Lyndon Piper, Simon Veale, Andrew Moores, Fraser House, Ross Slade, Thomas Ogborne, Lee Parsons, Mani Wonnacott, Andrew Winser.
Subs; Rob Holland, Tom House, Adam Buse.
Halwill 3 - 3 Elmore
Halwill were coming into this game looking to reverse the defeat that Elmore inflicted on them on the first day of the season. On that day Halwill thought they were unlucky not to come away with at least a point, so they started the game positive that they could pose a real threat to the league leaders, who were yet to lose this season.
Both sides started confidently and there was nothing to choose between them for the first twenty minutes. In this time neither side managed to create any real clear cut chances. But when Lyndon Piper went chasing the ball on the half way line he left his central defending partner Darren Martyn out numbered. A slick pass put one of the strikers in on goal. With the defenders breathing down his neck there was only one thing in his mind. He drove straight into the penalty area and drilled the ball home beating Phil Wonnacott at the near post.
Elmore must have thought that they had weathered the early storm and now were looking to take control of the game. Halwill had not had time to get back into their stride when Elmore went on the attack again. This time Halwill looked all at sea, and Andrew Moores got caught the wrong side of his man. As he tried to retrieve the situation in his own box, the ref had no hesitation in giving a penalty when with a clumsy looking challenge he brought his man down. The Elmore player stepped up and slotted the ball home to make it two-nil.
Halwill, who couldn’t believe they were two down after having such a good start, didn’t let their heads drop. Instead they got back into their rhythm and started to have a real go at the away side. With Fraser House a threat on the left and Lee Parsons on the right Halwill started to look dangerous. With about ten minutes to go in the first half Mani Wonnacott picked the ball up on the left hand side and slid the ball into the box where Fraser House was waiting to slot the ball home. Unfortunately the ball got stuck under his feet. He was desperately trying to poke the ball home but his chance had gone, but all was not lost for the home side as the prolific Ross Slade was on hand to finish the job off, and Halwill were back in the game.
At the turn around Halwill were looking for an early goal to really scare the visitors, but Elmore had different ideas and came out really strong. They put Halwill under some decent pressure. But the back four were looking solid. The two full backs, Andrew Moores and Simon Veale, were both having excellent games, as were the two centre halves. With about fifteen minutes gone in the half, Halwill had a rare attack on the break. Mani had the ball on the left, and drove into the box at pace leaving two defenders in his wake, as he looked up he saw Lee Parsons timing his run perfectly. With a nice ball in Lee had the easy task of slotting the ball home to make it two each.
Halwill were now playing really well and there looked to be only one team in it. It was now the home side’s turn to create all the pressure. Lee Parsons had a great chance to make it three, but didn’t make a good connection at the near post and the chance had gone. Elmore though to their credit, didn’t buckle and it was their turn to score against the run of play. With a quarter of the game remaining Halwill were again chasing the game. Player manager Andrew Winser decided it was time to make changes. He brought himself off, and put Tom House up top, Adam Buse replaced Thomas Ogborne, and Andrew Moores made way for Rob Holland. With Halwill pressing for an equaliser it was always going to be a nervy fifteen minutes for Elmore, and it proved to be just that. Halwill didn’t panic and played some nice football, and got their reward when the ball found its way to Darren Martyn twenty yards out from goal. Although he slipped he managed to get a good enough connection on the ball to get it pass the keeper’s outstretched right arm.
The game ended all square and Halwill had a really well deserved point, with a very good squad performance.
Team; Phil Wonnacott, Darren Martyn, Lyndon Piper, Simon Veale, Andrew Moores, Fraser House, Thomas Ogborne, Ross Slade, Lee Parsons, Mani Wonnacott, Andrew Winser.
Subs; Tom House, Adam Buse, Rob Holland.
Halwill 2 - 1 Seaton Town
After being rather unlucky in a number of games this season, last weeks win gave the team fresh confidence coming in to this game against a Seaton team who, like ourselves, had started rather indifferently. Phil Wonnacott was back in goal providing the defence with extra assurance (no disrespect Moorsey) and Simon Veale was proving what a useful asset he is.
On a sticky pitch it was hard for either team to get a foothold in the pitch itself let alone the game. After a 20 minute period of end to end stuff but with no obvious chances to speak of, Halwill made the break through. After a Seaton throw in was lost by their centre back the ball fell to Mani who surged forward. The Seaton defenders struggled to recover their defensive positions and with the help of runs from both Fraser down the left and Winnie across the defence a gap opened to the left hand side of the box. Mani was able to put the ball past the last defender before managing to poke the ball (rather tamely) in to the bottom right corner. For the remainder of the first half it was a fairly even contest with Seaton keeping hold of the ball for long periods but being unable to really threaten the Halwill goal, whilst Halwill did look capable of scoring on the break.
Halwill were slow to start the second half, losing the ball easily in attack and leaving the defence rather open to attack. Seaton continued pushing forward and after about ten minutes they broke through the defence. A ball was put in to the Halwill box and whilst the first shot was blocked the rebound fell to a Seaton player who guided the ball past Phil and nutmegged (don’t think he called it) Simon on the line to make it 1.1.
Halwill slowly began to pick themselves up and began to get a bit more of a foothold in the game. After a good one two, Winnie forced the Seaton goal keeper in to a fine saving, pushing the ball on to his nearside post. Minutes later Mani, choosing to ignore his manager, decided to shoot from a similar position, only to find the side netting. Then from a Halwill throw in the ball fell to Centre back Lyndon Piper who I think was as confused as anyone to find himself 20 yards from the Seaton goal rather than his own (I think he was steadily trying to get to the pub). After a neat touch past one defender he played a lovely ball through to Mani who from 8 yards forced a save from the goal keeper. The ball rebounded to Mani who after deciding to beat himself 18 times found himself again 8 yards out and decided to rely on power rather than finesse, hence finding Winsford rather than the back of the net.
Seaton during this period continued to have chances of their own, particularly when their defenders made moves forward for corners and free kicks. Like Halwill they were unlucky on a few occasions not to have scored their second goal.
With the clock ticking down Halwill won a free-kick on the left hand side of the pitch approximately thirty yards from the goal. Mani delivered the ball towards the rushing Darren Martyn only to find Lee Parsons. Lee’s excellent leap enabled him to send a lobbing header towards goal. It seemed to be in the air for an eternity (I’m not actually sure if Lee has returned to earth) but eventually found its way to the very top left hand corner of the net past a retreating and somewhat annoyed Seaton goal keeper. 2.1 Halwill.
Both teams continued to attack, Seaton causing a number of problems from high balls and causing Phil Wonnacott in the Halwill goal to have a little bit of a hissy fit at his defence. Halwill also created a few more chances and could have increased their lead had Mani’s pass been more accurate for substitute Tom House who had made a good run into the opposing box.
The game ended with Halwill managing to see off Seaton’s consistent attacks and being somewhat relieved to hear the final whistle. It had been a hard battle which had not been assisted by the sticky pitch which I am sure had a huge affect on the fitness levels of a number of players form both teams.
After a few dubious performances, Halwill are beginning to look like the team who played so well to secure promotion last year. Fraser House returned to the team and put in a good display at left midfield, Ross Slade appeared to have eaten the Duracell Bunny previous to kick off and the defence seemed to have forgotten the nightmares of a few weeks ago. Lee Parsons seems to be settling well into his more forward position and after putting in good performances in goal Moorsey returned to the outfield to make a very good replacement for Rob Holland who was MIA due to family commitments.
If anything the main thing to take form this game was the excellent squad that turned up. 14 players turned out for the game, including Ben Potter who wants to join ranks and secure his place in the defence, whilst two people, Rob and ”Satwests” Adam Bewes, were missing. Although noticeable mention for Adam who even after working made the trip to watch the end of the game.
Next week Halwill see the return of league leaders Elmore. Having been unfortunate to lose to them on the opening day of the season Halwill will be looking to keep their winning run going and end Elmore’s unbeaten record. One thing is for sure I wouldn’t want to be the person picking the starting 11 next week. Over to you Andrew!!
Halwill 6 - 0 Cullumpton Rangers
These two sides came into this game at the wrong end of the table, both needing all three points. Halwill were four points above Cullompton who were rooted to the bottom of the table. Although Halwill had shipped eighteen goals in the last three games there was an air of optimism beforehand and they were positive they could get something out of this game.
Halwill had made a couple of changes from the defeat last weekend, with Phil Wonnacott returning in goal, Adam Buse slotting into the left of midfield and Andy Winser returning to the starting line up. The home side started lively and the game was only a few minutes old when a high ball was sent into the box, a visiting defender challenging for the ball was as surprised as anyone when the ref blew his whistle and pointed to the spot. His explanation was that the defender was climbing all over the attacker and his decision was final. There was little complaint from the home side although a Cullompton player was booked for his protest. Andy Winser calmly stepped up and confidently stroked the ball low to the keeper’s right to make the score one-nil.
Cullompton felt that they had been hard done by and this seemed to knock whatever confidence they did have out of them and Halwill were left to take advantage. The home side were playing some neat football and it wasn’t long before Adam Buse finished off a game of head tennis in the Cullompton box with a solid volley high into the net. Adam then completed his brace for the day, this time with a header. Soon after, Mani Wonnacott was sent through only to be upended in the visitor’s box. This time there was no doubt and the ref again pointed to the spot. Andy Winser again stepped up to take the pen which was a carbon copy of the first, and Halwill were four goals to the good.
If the game wasn’t already dead and buried, it was after Mani Wonnacott helped himself to two goals before the referee blew his half time whistle. The first came from a good through ball, which he latched onto and put away albeit with a slice of luck. A tracking defender did his best to thwart the danger only to see his saving tackle canon off Mani and past the keeper. His second came when he capitalised on a mistake high up the pitch and calmly slot home.
The second half started slowly, with Cullompton still struggling and Halwill not able to get themselves going after a great first half. Halwill made two changes with Mani and Thomas Ogborne coming off, both still coming back from injury, and were replaced by Thomas and Fraser House. The half was a fairly dour affair and was only notable for Darren Martyn testing the keeper with good header at the back stick and the replacement of Lyndon Piper who had bravely battled on for most of the game after he had dislocated his shoulder.
The game looked to be fizzling out until Collumpton came into life and started to put some pressure on the home defence. One of these forays forward led to a goal mouth scramble and Halwill discovered that football is a much easier game when you have two goal keepers. Lee Parsons was the extra pair of hands that saved Halwill, but unfortunately the ref decided that a defender using his hands to stop the ball crossing the line was against the rules and gave a penalty. The visiting players thought they had something to cheer about until the pen was struck well past the post, which meant Halwill kept a much needed clean sheet. The day got even worse for the visitors when their striker was sent off after receiving a second yellow card after a fracas with Simon Veale, who was also booked.
Halwill must use this result now to build on, and collect as many points as they can from the teams around them.
Team; Phil Wonnacott, Darren Martyn, Lyndon Piper, Rob Holland, Simon Veale, Lee Parsons, Thomas Ogborne, Ross Slade, Adam Buse, Andy Winser, Mani Wonnacott.
Subs; Thomas House, Fraser House, Andrew Moores.
Halwill 2 - 6 Willand Rovers
For the second week running these two teams met at Halwill, only this time there were three points at stake. With Mani Wonnacott coming in for Andy Winser and Simon Veale making his long awaited return, Halwill were looking to improve on last weeks performance. Unlike the previous week it was Willand who started the stronger, looking for more of the same. It didn’t take long for the travelling side to take the lead and it looked like Halwill were going to be in for another torrid afternoon when Willand went two in front. But Halwill did start to get into the game, and Mani Wonnacott finished off a fine move to make it 1-2 at half time.
At the start of the second half Halwill looked bright and started to give Willand a game, but when the visitors scored a break away goal Halwill let their heads drop and the rest, as they say, is history. Willand scored a further three goals without really trying, and even with the introduction of Andy Winser and Steve Pitts, Halwill could only muster one in reply.
Halwill will be glad to see the back of this Willand side, and try their luck against some fresh faces next week, as it is imperative they get some more points on the board.
Halwill 2 - 6 Willand Rovers East Devon Cup
Halwill came into this East Devon Cup match on the back of two poor results and were looking for a good performance, and result to kick start their league campaign. Halwill started the game the better of the two teams, and after the opening period of play it was Halwill who started to impose their selves, and grow in confidence. Playing some attractive football and looking like a solid team unit Halwill created some good early chances with Ross Slade hitting a post and Andy Winser blazing over from eight yards. But with Halwill creating chances it seemed only a matter of time before they got their reward as the visitors had yet to force a save from the home keeper.
Willand, who are lying third in the league, may have been surprised by their hosts lively start, had nothing to cheer about until half way through the first half when against the run of play they won themselves a corner. A decent struck corner dropped into the heart of the penalty area where a visiting attacker found enough room to unleash a superb low drive through a number of bodies, which brought an equally good save from Andrew Moores. Unfortunately for the home keeper his parry found its way to the Willand left back who was unmarked at the back post to drill home.
With the goal coming against the run of play Halwill were confident of getting back in the game, and without creating any easy chances were still the better side. But again they were hit with cruel sucker punch. Willand, apart from the goal had still not created a decent chance from open play, were coming up against some good defending. With ten minutes to go in the half, they found themselves on the edge of the Halwill area and somehow managed to squeeze a ball to the on-running right winger about six yards out. Even in this position Halwill still looked to have the situation under control as Lindon Piper tracked his man superbly and was in a great position to clear the danger, but as he struck the ball it bizarrely cannoned off the attackers head into the net.
Halwill, who couldn’t understand how at the turn around they were two down, started the second half like the first, and had a couple of decent opportunities to get back into the game. But Willand who had a strong period just before half time began to hit their stride and from another set piece their left back scored his second of the game in similar fashion to his first. Then Halwill had their first bit of luck in the game when there was a scrap for the ball in the visitor’s box. It eventually came to Ross Slade who stroked the ball home.
This gave Halwill some hope but not for long, as the visitors went up the other end and scored soon after the re-start to keep their three goal advantage, and gave their left back his hatrick. By this time Mani Wonnacott and Adam Buse had been introduced and it was Mani who scored Halwill’s second, but it was just a consolation as Willand scored two more before the end with another bizarre deflection and a near post flick on to flatter their score line.
Team: Andrew Moores, Darren Martyn, Lee Parsons, Rob Holland, Lyndon Piper, Steve Pitts, Ross Slade, Phil Wonnacott, Fraser House, Andy Winser, Tom House.
Subs; Mani Wonnacott, Adam Buse
University 6 - 0 Halwill
The students came into this game on the back of some impressive results and started the game where they left off. Playing with pace and movement, Halwill struggled to get close all over the pitch. It wasn’t long into the game before Uni had a decent penalty shout turned down, with the ref deciding that Steve Pitts’ rash challenge happened just outside the box. The resulting free kick didn’t produce a goal but it wasn’t long before they did find their scoring touch, and before they knew it, Halwill were three down, through some excellent football.
A change in formation from a 3, 5, 2 to a 4, 4, 2 looked like it may stem the free flowing football that the home side were enjoying, and it did. Tom House missed a glorious chance to peg a goal back. With the goal gaping it looked harder to miss than to score, but he did miss heading over from a few yards out. The students took a while to adjust to Halwill’s change in formation, but when they did, it was normal service resumed as the home side racked up another three before half time.
With the game already lost, Halwill were now trying to stop complete embarrassment. Andrew Moores swapped his midfield role to go between the sticks, with keeper Phil Wonnacott slotting into his preferred central midfield position. This change, and maybe the home side taking their foot off the pedal, meant for a less one sided affair in the second half. Halwill looked a more solid team, and on occasions played some neat football, that created some opportunities to get on the score sheet. But unfortunately for everyone involved with Halwill, University were just too strong for them on the day.
Newtown 3 - 2 Halwill
In this Devon cup match at Grace Road Halwill started very slowly against a youthful Newtown side. The home team started the brighter, playing some neat football and spreading the play well, with their wide men enjoying good possession. Throughout the first half it was the home side that looked like the team from the higher division, and proved it by starting to create chances. They eventually went one up with some hesitation in the Halwill defence. With pressure starting to build Newtown should have gone two up when they hit the bar twice in the same passage of play. They did go two in front, again as the result of poor marking and tracking all over the pitch; and if it wasn’t for Phil Wonnacott in the Halwill goal, Newtown could have gone in at half time with more than the two goal advantage they had.
With a few choice words at half time, Halwill started the second half a lot brighter and started to play their way into the game with their desire and enthusiasm returning; they got hold of the ball and brought players into the game. Midway into the second half a positive run and perseverance from Tom House got Halwill into a good position, and a neat little pass to his brother Fraser standing on the edge of the box, brought a delightful first time strike that nestled in the corner of the net.
With Halwill back in the game Newtown started to get their game back on track and created some chances of their own, but in Lyndon Piper and Phil Wonnacott came up against some strong resistance. With 25 minutes to go Halwill made what looked to be a telling substitution, with Mani Wonnacott, who has been nursing a hamstring injury, coming on for Tom House, and with Mani making some trade mark runs Halwill again looked dangerous. He proved to be the difference when Halwill drew level with ten minutes to go, picking the ball up just inside the Newtown half, he drove at the home defence beating them for pace and sliding the ball home past the advancing keeper.
Halwill thought they could go on to win the game from here, but with exerting so much energy getting themselves back into the game, they looked a bit jaded when the ball broke to the home centre forward who was left one on one with Phil Wonnacott, and he finished calmly to take the victory late on.
East Budleigh 3 - 1 Halwill
Second league match of the season saw us on our travels again this time at East Budleigh. They'd won their previous game so we knew it would be a tough match. The game started with Budleigh the strongest and forcing a few corners without really troubling Matt Turner in goal. we did eventually get into the game with Ross slade heading narrowly wide from Darren Martyn's free kick. We then took the lead when Andy Winser robbed the ball off the defender and passed to Tom House, who in turn gave it to his brother Fraser, who had a shot, which rebounded off the defender and there was Ross Slade to put it in the net. About two minutes later, a cross from Budleighs right back was headed over the bar by their centre forward and the referee, for some reason, awarded a penalty for an alleged push by defender Adam Bewes on the centre forward. The penalty was scored to make it 1 - 1.
The second half Budleigh started strong again but good defending from Lee Parsons, Lyndon Piper and Darren Martyn and some good saves from Matt Turner kept them at bay. With 20 minutes to go, with us looking by far the stronger team, a long ball from a defender saw the Budleigh left winger run pass defence and chip the ball over Turners head for a 2 - 1 lead. We then brought on substitute Steve Pitts, for the limping Tom House and it was Steve who had a couple of good chances to equalise but then Budleigh broke forward and scored a good goal to make it 3 - 1, which was the final score.
Another good hard working team performance which bodes well for future games, starting this week away to Upottery. Hopefully with a bit more luck than in the previous two weeks, which our performances have deserved.
Team - Matt Turner, Adam Bewes, Rob Hambly, Darren Martyn, Lyndon Piper, Lee Parsons, Ross Slade, Fraser House, Andrew Moores, Thomas House, Andrew Winser, sub- Steve Pitts.
Elmore 1 - 0 Halwill
We travelled to Elmore with 4 players missing. Skipper Darren Martyn was working, Tom and Fraser House had University commitments, Adam Bewes was on holiday, Tom Ogborne was injured, but came along as sub and we had 19 year old Matt Turner from NorthLew who was making his debut in goal.
We started very brightly with Mani Wonnacott latching on to Andy Winser's through ball and outpacing the defence and planting the ball in the top corner only to be denied controversially by the linesmans flag. Then Ross Slade got on the end of Manis cross and the ball just ran across the goal line and out. Then Elmore started to get into the game and a speculative shot from all of 40 yards sailed over Matts outstretched arms and under the crossbar, for 1 - 0 to Elmore. As the half ended Elmore had a couple more chances but we held on until half time.
The second half we started under a bit of pressure but kept our shape, with the back three of Lee Parsons, Lyndon Piper and Phil Wonnacott and the two wide players Rob Holland and Rob Hambly defending well. With 10 minutes remaining, we took off the tired 41 year old Steve Pitts and brought on the half fit Tom Ogborne who nearly scored right on full time but his shot hit the side netting. Overall it was a fairly decent performance for the first match of the season and hopefully when everyone is fit we will start to win a few games.
Team : Matt Turner, Rob Holland, Rob Hambly, Lee Parsons, Lyndon Piper, Phil Wonnacott, Andrew Moores, Ross Slade, Steve Pitts, Andrew Wonnacott, Andrew Winser and sub Tom Ogborne.
Click to view match report
