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Liphook United 2-2 Headley United - Henry Ascoli (29th Dec 2013 - 16:15:39) Hampshire Premier League match report Liphook United 2-2 Headley United ENTERTAINING and energetic from the first to the final whistle, this eagerly-anticipated local derby delivered on every level, as two of the top contenders for the HPFL title locked horns, writes Henry Ascoli. Headley edged the early play, appearing at ease in possession and confident on the attack. A swift break through the middle presented Ryan Justice with a golden chance to open the scoring, but his 20-yard strike skimmed across the wet surface and flashed agonisingly wide. Buoyed by a strong start, the visitors continued to surge forward in search of a breakthrough, and Dean Preston battled his way to the byline and pulled the ball back perfectly for Dan Gray, whose scuffed effort sailed over the bar from five yards out. Headley hit the back of the net on 14 minutes, Gray firing home from 25 yards after a scintillating end to end break, sparking wild celebrations among the visiting fans. However, the goal was swiftly chalked off, as the ball had crossed the byline from the corner which led to the goalscoring move. Yet the visitors did not have to wait long to celebrate once more, receiving the reward for their early pressure on 20 minutes when a Preston cross reached a leaping Gray, who headed home emphatically into the top left corner. Seconds later, Liphook levelled, a perfectly-placed free kick reaching Jonathan Pryce, who nipped in and tucked the ball home from close range. The hosts suddenly settled into their stride, enjoying the lion’s share of possession in the lead up to half time, pressing and probing for the lead. Liphook struck five minutes before the break, Harry Tremlett bursting down the left channel before producing a powerful strike which Rich Covey diverted into the back of the net. Headley returned to the field with renewed determination, and Danny Barnes came within a whisker of scoring with a smart turn and shot which grazed the left post. Undeterred, the visitors turned the screw, forcing Liphook to drop deeper in an effort to protect their slender lead. When the equaliser arrived, it was from a familiar source – Gray reacting first to the rebound after a superb diving save from Chris Martin to poke the ball home on the hour-mark. Despite dominating possession during the closing stages, Headley failed to fashion clear goalscoring opportunities, with Martin only truly tested by a snap shot from Preston on the edge of the box. At the other end, substitute Harry Munt threatened to breach the visitors’ back line, but his hurried effort from 20 yards was met by a solid save from Matt Petts, who appeared untroubled throughout. A point apiece a fair reflection of the pressure and possession of two evenly-matched sides, whose strength in depth could prove key during the long league run-in. “Headley are a good side, hence their league position, but there were times in the game where we shaded it,” said Liphook coach Mark Morton. “They really came at us in the second half, and we were hanging on for the point, but it was important that we got something from such a gritty display.” “It was a typical derby, which started at a fast pace, but when we got our foot on the ball we looked far more comfortable. All round, it was a fair result,” commented Liphook midfielder Kevin Adair. “We had a great attitude and workrate throughout,” said Liphook striker Steve Harding. “We would have wanted to create a few more chances in the second half, but a draw was a fair result against a strong Headley team.”

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