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Semi-final heartbreak for Hearts’ reserves

1/ 4/2008

SACRED Heart Reserves’ 11-match winning streak came to a muddy end when they were beaten 2-1 by Pennington Reserves in a cup semi-final at Fox Park on Saturday.

Blustery wet conditions didn’t help either side, and it was Pennington who started better.

They missed a couple of half chances when keeper Sweeney should have been made to work harder.

Hearts’ first real clear-cut chance came midway through the first half. Ainley threaded the ball through to winger Lloyd but the onrushing keeper prevented him from breaking the deadlock.

Hearts midfield duo of Stead and Rowley found it hard to play their normal fluent football as the pitch became very sticky. A move between the pair broke down and a long ball was punted upfield.

Hearts’ full back Shooter was caught day-dreaming and Pennington midfielder Kyle Giles managed to loop his header over keeper Sweeney into the net.

This spurred on Pennington, and within five minutes their lead was doubled.

Sweeney attempted a quick throw, but the ball held up in the strong wind and Pennington midfielder Ryan Grundy smashed it home.

Hearts rallied, and a snap-shot from Holmon was saved point blank by the keeper who really didn’t know much about it.

Hearts came out for the second half knowing they had the strong wind behind them and they immediately put pressure on the Pennington
rearguard. A lovely flighted ball from fullback Loftus was met by Ainley. But his goalbound effort was tipped around a post by Green.

Hearts finally made a breakthrough midway through the second half. Rowley picked up the ball out wide and fed it inside to Ainley who gave the keeper no chance with a crisp drive from 20 yards.

Hearts thought they had levelled the game five minutes later. Nick Murphy chased down a seemingly lost cause, and a Pennington defender who was shielding the ball slipped and collided with the keeper. The ball spilled out and Murphy tapped it into the net.

Celebrations were shortlived, however, as the referee deemed Murphy had pushed the defender.Hearts then threw everything at Pennington.

Ainley, Murphy and Holmon all had chances blocked by keeper and defenders.

With two minutes to go Hearts looked as though they had forced extra time. A cross from Loftus was headed out and Rowley controlled to hit a perfect volley.

The ball was heading for a top corner, and some players were already celebrating when Green produced the save of the match.

The result was tough luck for Hearts who had tried to play good football in poor conditions.

Best on show for Hearts was centre half Gary Nash.

Hearts reserves travel to Chapel Town on Saturday, players meet at Fox Park at 12.30pm.