Heath Hill started brightly with Bannister coming close to scoring before the opposition had had a kick. Both sides looked a little nervous at the back in the opening exchanges with Heath Hill struggling to clear the ball against the wind. Bannister again came close again after 10 minutes with a shot narrowly missing the post. Nottm Utd were denied by a fine save from MacDonald and then an excellent block from Durham on the line.
Just as Utd seemed to be coming more into the game, Bannister gave Heath Hill the lead after fine work by Tassa. Heath Hill started to grow in confidence and went in at the break with a deserved lead.
Within seconds of the restart the scores were level and the prospect of an exciting half looked likely. With 20 minutes to go Utd took the lead through a heavily dubious goal which was flagged as offside. The referee without consultation gave the goal. Bannister was yellow carded as he protested and was sent off very harshly for saying it was a joke.
Things got worse as another goal followed for Utd, again Heath Hill called for offside , again the linesman flagged, again the referee gave the goal without consulting the linesman.
Heath Hill pushed on trying to get something back from the game and two more goals followed for Utd.
The game as a contest was ruined by poor refereeing but that should not take from the fact that Nottm Utd played well throughout and look like being one of the teams to beat this season.
Heath Hill come out of the game knowing they gave a good account of themselves today. The score was flattering to the opposition. As we progress we need to play to the whistle and accept decisions to avoid losses like this, but on a positive note, we played good football today and the two new guys Paul and Ashton were outstanding at the back
Thanks to the guys who came down last minute to fill the bench it was much appreciated and to Nottm Utd for their hospitality and sportsmanship.
Team
D.MacDonald, D.Stevenson, P.Swift, D.Ashton, M.Durham, J.Serrokh, A.Marnell, S.Parry, B.Ajetunmobi, M.Bannister, J.Tassa
Subs j.MacDonald, D.Montano, J.Reid
Man of the Match
Daniel Ashton
Saturday 3rd September 2011-12
Nottingham Utd A 5-1 Heath Hill