Young Heath Side Progress in RUR Cup
Hanbury Park welcomed Midhurst and Easebourne for their second visit of the season, this time in the RUR Cup with memories still fresh in the fans minds of the 8 goals Heath but past them in the league fixture earlier in the season.
Jay Lovett made changes with half an eye on Saturday’s Vase fixture, but still able to put out a strong side. JJ Minty, Ashley Wadhams and Emmanuel Abudiore coming into the starting lineup alongside 16 year old Oscar Kemp who made his first competitive start for the Club. He was joined by Callum McVicar and Sam Quickfall from the U18 squad who both took places on the bench.
Heath started brightly and were moving the ball around well but it took until the 9th minute for them to create the first chance of note when a speculative through ball evaded the Midhurst defence and found Pitcher in acres of space behind the defensive line. The keeper however, did well to close him down in the 1 on 1 and saved well.
It didn’t take long for Heath to gain the lead though, intricate passing from Kemp, Britton and Napper set Wadhams away on the left and his cross was met by Abudiore who finished expertly from inside the 6 yard box in the 13th minute.
The game was halted in the 20th minute when a serious looking injury was sustained by a Midhurst player and he needed assistance to leave the field. He was able to make his way back into the Changing Rooms so hopefully no longer term damage was done.
Nine minutes later the Heath doubled their lead as Kemp delivered a delightful cross into the box that found Skerry in space at the far post and his finish left the keeper with no chance.
Heath were looking comfortable now and were moving the ball around well. With no more notable incidents in the first 45 the sides headed to the dressing rooms.
The second half continued in much the same way with Heath controlling both possession and the tempo of the game. Midhurst looking slightly resigned to their fate offered little in the way of attacking threat.
It took until the 70th minute for Heath to get the third goal that their play deserved as debutant Kemp swung in a corner from the right which caused panic in the away side’s box and an unfortunate defender diverted the ball into his own net.
Heath’s dominance continued and Lovett had the opportunity to give McVicar and Quickfall their first experience of competitive first team football. The former replacing Jones in goal whilst the later replaced Bresciani at the heart of the Blues defence. Both looked composed and capable and will have loved the experience of first team minutes.
Heath created several other chances with Dobell unable to convert when put through by Pitcher but in truth the game was already over by this point.
A convincing cup win for the Heath, with Lovett able to show his belief in the youngsters, attention now turns to Saturday’s visit of Slesey in the FA Vase.
