The Hope Inn’s recent good form, which has kept them in their ‘Champions League’ spot for another week, now saw them take part in a ‘Top (or near top) of the Table’ clash, as they took on 2nd in the table Jaccetts.
The Jaccetts had only lost one game this season and that was on their first game against the opponents they now took on at Alexander field. The Hope made a few changes to the side that beat Dover Dynamos the week before, with Simon Smith returning to the centre of defence and Steve Smith moved to left back allowing Brian Fielding to play upfront alongside Gavin Oakley.
From the kick off the Hope looked like they were determined to get something from this game and prove they deserved their current league position. Although the football wasn’t pretty, the home side worked hard to close down their opponents and hit them on the break when they could. It wasn’t too long before the Hope got their reward, or maybe gift, as the Jaccett’s keeper missed kicked a rushed clearance which Brian Fielding took full advantage of as his drove the ball into the back of the empty goal from 25 yards – bringing his scoring record as a striker to 2 in 2 games.
The home side held on to their lead well into the second half, mainly due to the outstanding performance of their keeper Danny ‘Skins’ Skinner, the resilience of their defence plus a little of bit of luck. The Hope did soak up a lot of pressure from Jaccetts but also had chances to extend their lead. Brian Fielding saw his chip over an on rushing keeper bounce just over, and Gavin Oakley was again unlucky not to steer the ball into the net following a good cross from Jae Donnelly.
With ten mintues left to play Jaccetts Athletic finally got the equaliser they thought would never come. The Hope responded well still creating chances to try and take all three points. However, the game ended in a draw which the Hope certainly would have taken before the match.
The Hope’s next game is in their favoured cup against Centre Spot for the Tom Donnelly cup, they will be hoping to take their good league form into match and begin another cup run.
Man of Match: Danny Skinner
