Halse United First 'v' Blisworth First

Halse United First 'v' Blisworth First Saturday 13th January 2024 KO 2pm Les Underwood Junior Cup

Blisworth made the short journey over to the home of Halse United First for this Les Underwood Junior Cup quarter final.

Halse had already faced two other Northants Combination Premier Division sides in this competition beating Finedon Volta FC 1-2 and Harpole 0-4. Blisworth was always going to be a much tougher opposition considering there current league performance only losing 1 game in 13 and 2 games in hand on top spot.

After no football since 16th December this did not help with preparation for this important fixture for the lads.

Just 6 minutes into the game it was a feisty start and high tempo from both sides with Halse hitting the post and then bLisworth on the counter which is saved from Riley in the net.
The fouls started to come just 13 minutes in and Blisworth get a free kick on the right side of the Halse box which was whipped in and cleaned away from the black and white back line.
Following the fouls the bookings then started 15 minutes in and number 9 for Blisworth receives a yellow.
A long throw from Blisworth into the Halse box which is cleared by Humphries, then the ball falls to Blisworth number 8 who volleys the ball just over the bar.
Next booking on 19 goes to VC Read after a late tackle then at the same time Blisworrth number 7 also receives a yellow for his reaction to the tackle.
Still an even game at 27 minutes in then a long shot effort from Todd to test the Blisworth keeper but this was easily saved.
Another booking this time for the Halse skipper number 10 Simpson for a shoulder barge which didn't look like a foul.
The Blisworth coaching staff were becoming increasingly more vocal towards the match officials which resulted in a booking for one of the coaches.
Into added time of first half yet another booking for Blisworth number 8 for clipping Simpson heels.
HT 0-0 a tight first half, with plenty more to do in the second half.

The second half kicked off at 14:58 and straight from kick off Halse have an early free kick which Humphries floats the ball into the Blisworth 6 yard box which centre back Brady get's on and heads into the Blisworth net. 1-0 Halse United.
Five minutes into second half a booking for Halse full back Salvatore for a late tackle on the Blisworth counter attack.
On 53 Halse striker Gilsenan is through on goal and is pulled back by Blisworth number 4 and referee books the Blisworth player.
Just 4 minutes later another booking for Blisworth number 5 for another tackle to stop Halse on the counter.
Again 2 minutes on yet another yellow for Blisworth this time number 10 which was another clip of the heels which was needless.
Chance for Halse on 64 with some really nice build up play on the left side from Gilsenan and Mortimer, Gilsenan drives into the box and sees his shot well saved from the BLisworth keeper.
Then on 76 Blisworth make it level after an attack on the left, crossed in by the number 9 which is met by the Bliswoth forward. Halse 1 Blisworth 1.
At 77 Read latches onto a long ball but an awkward bouce halts the attack, Read then digs the ball out and attempts a shot, which clips the top of the bar and goes over.
Then just 3 minutes later it's the league top goal scorer Read on the attack after a long ball from midfielder KInner and Read hits the ball first time on his right about 25 yards out and it sails pass the keeper. Halse 2 Blisworth 1.
This time it's a sin bin for the Blisworth skipper for desent in the final 9 minutes. He does return in added time but it's to late and the final whistle goes and Halse move onto the semi-final.

FT Halse United 2 Blisworth 1
Player of the match Liam Simpson (c)
Goals Kieran Brady & Ollie Read
Assists Callum Humphries & Harry Kinner
Attendance 73