Mulbarton game (HPR lost 1 - 0)
Mulbarton have a bit of a reputation as one of the strong teams in the league but we were hopeful that we could outsmart them on our big pitch as the game had to be rearranged at the last minute to a home game.
HPR took the game into the opponents straight away and forced a few corners but couldn't find the net. The same happened at the other end and an HPR looked like suffering an OG from Archie R but luckily it went wide. Mulbarton did manage to get through and their forward struck it with force. Frankie went down for it but the striker sent high just clipping the keepers gloves.
Despite some some good passing during the second half with a nice cross from Evie into the centre for Sol, and an unlucky miss from Felix, the score remained 1 - 0 at full time.
Hillside game (HPR won 3 - 0)
Last time HPR played this team, Hillside came back from 3 - 1 down to draw the game 3 - 3, admittedly because of a few defending blunders. This time the ball was in the Hillside half nearly all match with great passing play (the team seemed to take a match to find their feet as there was no training the night before). Aidan had little to do in goal, but made easy work of any chances that Hillside had. Archie R was prolific on the right and got the first one in with Max lining up behind just in case. Sol had a shot blocked after running with the ball and displaying some very nifty footwork. The ball was now flowing freely between the HPR players and a cross from Luke found Felix's left boot and the back of the net.
During the second half Hillside managed a nice shot on goal but Evie performed a lovely save to turn it around the post and keep the clean sheet. Towards full time Aidan sent a long cross in from the right and found Max who beat the keeper to it to settle at 3 - 0.
Player of the match was Sol for some excellent running with the ball and thoughtful defensive play.
Next up on 3 March, two difficult teams - Taverham and Norwich Corinthians.
