Match Report
Match Report - 03 Oct 2009, Swale United Football Club First XI beat Platt United FC
In a difficult fixture Swale run out 3-1 victors with goals coming from Dave Stacey,Andrew Mannering and Scott Forster
From the kick off Swale pressed the game and were unlucky not to go into the lead after creating numerous chances on the home sides goal. The pitch and strong wind was a great leveller which inhibited both teams from playing r
free flowing football. The turning point of the game came on 15 mins when a clash of heads between Gary Hake and the Platt centre forward resulted in what can only be described as a bloody mess. Gary Hake was momentarily knocked out and the result was a large cut to his forehead. Unlike the Platt centre forward Hakey had no intention of coming off from the field of play and after some good work by the cut men he was bandaged up 'Terry Butcher'style.
From the resulting throw in Platt took full advantage of a wind assisted throw in and the Platt centre forward headed home powerfully giving Luke Titshall no chance of saving it. Swale's response was typical of their good early season form and created a wave of chances. In particular Richard King and Scott Forster hitting the wood work after some great interplay. Swale continued to press hard and were rewarded with a penalty on 35 mins after Mark Greene was fouled within the penalty area. After respotting the ball 3 times,the dependable Dave Stacey cooly slotted the ball home. Not content with the draw Swale continued to create chances and on the stroke of half time Andrew Mannering scored with a bullet header from a corner.
Swale showed great character against a considerable wind advantage going into half time 2-1 up. The 2nd half began with Platt enjoying some good possesion in the middle of the park but the Swale defence held strong defending well and preventing Platt from creating any clearcut chances. Swale then began to dominate the game, the visitors continued to create some good chanced again hitting the wood work a further 3 times before the deciding goal was scored. On 65 mins Sam Mannering provided the best pass of the game to Richard King who needed the Platt goalkeeper to be on top form saving well down to his left. Mickey Growns was introduced and within minutes the victory was sealed after a great move invloving Mickey Growns and Dave Stacey finally laying the ball to Scott Forster who finished well on 75 mins.
The game was then all about Swale who showed great experience in not letting Platt back into the game by keeping the ball for long periods. After the game we caught up with First Team Manager Kevin Hake:
"We gave a solid performance today and I was very pleased to win in difficult conditions. Particular praise has to go to the spirit the team showed today and this was epitimised by Gary Hake who somehow played on after that bad cut. We now look forward to a couple of weeks rest from the league in the two cup games where we pit our wits against Lordswood and University Of Kent"
Thanks Kevin and well done again.
Platt United FC 1 - 3 Swale United Football Club First XI