Hard going against Heath park

Sunday 12th August 2007
Santiago 0 vs 2 Heath Park

In their 2nd pre season game Santiago found the going very different against much tougher opposition.
Heath Park (Brentwood League Senior Division) who had previously beaten Peter Fishers side by 1 and 7 nil were not going to give up that unbeaten record.
Dan Merritt replaced Barry Hagland in goal after the latter had broken a finger. Merritt produced a confident display and will consider himself unfortunate to be on the losing side.
The game started with both sides fighting to gain the upper hand. On 10 mins Heath Park made the break through, Santiago had failed to heed the warning signs and were undone by a set piece. A long throw into the Santiago penalty area saw the ball evade 2 defenders and the keeper, provide the easiest of finishes at the back post. Jim Biddlecombe lead the charge as Santiago showed no signs of panic and tried to play their way back into the game.
Nick Woodall's purposeful run down the left wing provided Santiago with the perfect chance to level, however the midfielder decided to shoot when he would have been best served putting in a cross for the waiting Tony Fisher. Ben Skidmore was replaced by Richard Smith. Santiago then spent most of the half chasing shadows as Heath Park kept the ball. The quality of passing stretched the Santiago defence and the inevitable goal came. Although a little fortunate the ball squeezing in under the keepers body.
As the game entered it final moments the impressive and hard working Jim Biddlecombe broke through the Heath Park defence. Only to be denied by the keeper, unfortunately Jim sustained a cracked shin when he unavoidably collided with the goalkeeper.
After the game Peter Fisher said he was pleased with his side's effort. But some fine tuning was still needed. He added Jim Biddlecombe could miss the season's opener against Conner.
Santiago's next pre season fixture is against Premier Division new boys The Bell.