Holyport unable to overcome Long Crendon in wet and windswept encounter

On a wet and windswept Saturday afternoon, Holyport FC were unable to overcome their opponents or the elements as they fell to a 1-0 defeat against Long Crendon.

Port just about made do in the first half using the gale force winds that were battling against their backs to attack their visitors in swift fashion. As a result, several corners and free kicks were rewarded but unable to be converted given the adverse weather conditions.

With the score 0-0 at halftime, the next goal would prove crucial and unfortunately for Derek Sweetman's side it was in their visitors’ favour. Four minutes after the restart James Hawkes bundled home the only goal of the game after Port failed to clear their lines.

“The elements didn’t do us any favours that's for sure,” said Sweetman.

“In the first half, we had the wind on our backs and managed to force a lot of corners and set pieces. Unfortunately, we couldn’t just quite get on the end of them and nick a goal.

“They (Long Crendon) came into the game a lot stronger in the second half because they had the conditions behind them. We made a mistake early on which allowed them to punish us to go 1-0 up.

“That was ultimately the difference but there were plenty of opportunities to make the game safe beforehand. We can’t just pick the one [mistake] out and say that is why we lost.

“The weather definitely spoilt the game as it looked to be quite an even match at times.”

Holyport will now have 14 days to rest and rethink their tactics before they play again when they host Abingdon United on November 7.

“The break will be good for a few of our players to get over their knocks, bumps, and bruises,” added Sweetman. “We’ll be training hard to go again in a fortnight’s time.”