There was plenty of drama in Saturday’s game of the day in the Pitching In Southern League Premier Central as high-flyers, Halesowen Town and Hitchin Town, battled it out.
Most of the drama surrounded Hitchin goalkeeper, Charlie Horlock, who had a day he will never forget as he opened the scoring for his side from a goal-kick and then with the scoreline finely balanced at 2-1 to his side, he saved a 94th minute penalty.
Hitchin then went down the other end and made the game safe with a third goal to make it five wins from their last six outings and thrust them into second place in the table as their hosts suffered their first home reverse of the season.
“I think it’s fair to say I’ve never experienced a game like that and probably never will again,” Horlock told us with a huge grin. “I think it’s every goalkeepers’ dream to score a goal and save a last minute penalty, so it’s a bit of a privilege to experience both in one game!
“My goal was a complete fluke; 99 times out of 100 it just trickles through to the opposite ‘keeper and I get told to keep my kicks wider, but on this occasion, the pitch was heavy and the ball was either going to stick in the mud or skid off the surface… thankfully for me it did the latter.
“When it went in, I didn’t know what to do! I felt a bit embarrassed in a way; I couldn’t go ballistic as it was so early on in the game and as anyone who’s been to Halesowen knows, you don’t want to wind up their fans in the Shed end.
“So, I ended up just standing there and shrugged! As I walked back to get a drink, I gave them a little bow, which they took well. I also felt for the ‘keeper up the other end so as part of the Goalkeepers’ Union, I didn’t want to rub it in, I just wanted to get on with the game and not get too carried away.
“Call me boring, but that’s the way it is!
“As for the penalty save, it was a soft decision in the first place, in my opinion, so justice was done with that.
“The main thing was that we secured the three points. We went into the game knowing that our hosts were unbeaten at home and up there with us amongst the leading pack, so we knew that we were in for a tough afternoon in front of a large and vocal home crowd.
“The result on Saturday is not season-defining for either team, of course, but it was a great opportunity to show our intention this season with the squad we’ve got, which we managed to take.
“If I’m honest, I expected us to be right up there this season. Without shouting it from the rooftops, we knew from the backend of last season that we had a good chemistry within the team and seeing nearly all the boys commit for this season filled everyone with great optimism.
“Not only that, we’ve added some great quality players, so competition for places is high.
“We spoke as a group before the start of the season to discuss our targets for each competition we are in. We’re crystal clear what our targets are; it’s still early days and there is plenty of football still to be played, but let’s just say, we are currently on track.”
Hitchin Town return to home action on Saturday with the visit of Stamford.
IMAGE: Hitchin Town FC
Most clubs are looking for volunteers. Find out more on the button below:
www.PitchingInVolunteers.co.ukAll the news and results in one place.
REGISTER