Huntsman made it 12 wins out of 12 last with an impressive 5-0 victory over Tompkins to edge 3 points away from promotion to Division 1. Having had 2 tough games already against Tompkins the gaffer decided to move to a 5 man midfield with Carl Bates replacing the league’s top scorer Jamie Herd who dropped to the bench while Callum Musgrave replaced Mark Percival at the heart of defence.
Huntsman started in confident fashion and could have been 2 up within the first five minutes had it not been for the woodwork, first Dave Neale crashed a 25 yard effort off the bar then Callum Musgrave saw his bullet header rebound off the bar from a right wing corner. They continued to dominate throughout the half playing some lovely football but the final ball was lacking so no clear cut chances were being created.
The deadlock was finally broken 10 minutes before the break when Anthony Cox delivered a delightful free kick on to the head of Shaun Sproates who guided the ball into the roof of the net to give the Huntsman the lead all of the possession deserved. They went in at the break 1-0 up and the message was more of the same but to improve the final ball.
They took the message on board and finished the game off within the first 15 minutes of the restart. They doubled the lead on 50 minutes when Shaun Sproates won possession on the left wing and fed a lovely ball inside for Anth Cox to run onto, he raced towards goal before firing past the keeper.
The game was as good as over when Michael Sproates playing with a thigh injury picked up in training added a third, he picked the ball up on the right and cut inside before curling home from 25 yards with his swinger.
On 60 minutes it was Dave Neale’s turn to get in on the act adding his 6th goal of the season direct from a free kick, way out on the left wing Neale managed to curl the ball into the top corner with a classy finish. The game was wrapped up when two substitutes combined, Andrew Richardson slotted a lovely ball into the feet of Jamie Herd who side stepped the defender before firing into the bottom corner.
The last 15 minutes were played out with the Huntsman dominating, Lee Redpath had one cleared off the line, Andrew Richardson fizzed one just wide and Carl Bates beat 5 men Lionel Messi style unfortunately his finish was messy too.
The game finished 5-0 a convincing win from start to finish with the Huntsman defence never troubled as they picked up there 5th shut out in 6 games. Man of the match went to Shaun Sproates for an excellent display in the lone striker role.
Huntsman make the short journey to Moore Lane Park to face the British Legion in the first round of the league cup the winner facing a quarter final game against Yates. We hope to see you there!!
