Howden AFC v Driffield JFC

Dull Day in Driffield
 
Howden AFC ended the calender year in what only can be described as a humbling defeat. The MinsterMen appear to have hit the wall so to speak and lost for the second consecutive game this past weekend. Driffield worked harder, wanted it more and thoroughly deserved all the spoils for a nice Christmas bonus.
 Howden lined up with one change from the last defeat with Peterson reverting to full back and Schofield on the wing. As the game got underway Howden were second best and Driffield looked more eager to take the game than Howden. Driffield enjoyed early possession but struggled to break down a resistant defence. 
 Windy conditions didn't help the spectacle as Josh Jackson's kicks were coming straight back with a Driffield attack. 
It was a defensive mistake from skipper McMahon which allowed Driffield to capitalize as the forward stole the ball and smashed home from six yards, giving Jackson no chance. Showing effects of Mad Friday, Howden were behind. 
 Still this didn't spurn the MinsterMen on, a lack of ideas and creativity when in possession saw the visitors give it away cheaply, often. Westerman & Schofield showed glimpses of pace but they weren't on the ball enough as manager Holt would have liked. Gorman found himself isolated up front. Ten minutes before the break Howden inched into the game with a couple of chances. Munday delivered a cross to which Westerman headed into the arms of the Driffield goalkeeper.
  Gorman fizzed a ball across the box as did Schofield but lack of numbers in the penalty area, saw the crosses run out for goal kicks. Holt asked his lads to have a few efforts and try move the ball quicker but the instructions fell on deaf ears. 
 Howden still over complicated passes, opted for the wrong choice and struggled to create an opening in the second half. Driffield had men behind the ball and when the opportunity came, they countered well. They should have had a second however Munday slide across to block brilliantly. 
 Quickly from hero to zero though, Munday saw red for a bad reaction to been stamped on. Both the full back and Driffield's wide man were sent off for an early bath, a little harsh from the referee however fair. 
  Jackson made a world class stop to keep the score at 1-0 and give the visitors a chance of getting something as  the clock ticked down. Still when in the final third, the MinsterMen played the wrong ball or failed to get a shot away. Hutchinson & Luke Oldridge entered to bring a fresh injection into a side low on confidence. But it still didn't alter the outcome. Howden were pressing, McMahon & Josh Oldridge carried the ball forward but still, there was no outcome. 
  Driffield cleared a corner and quickly countered. McArdle's best effort to slide in, injuring himself in the process saw Driffield have a 3 on 1 advantage. A simple "Fifa" goal allowed the striker to tap home on the 90th minute to condemn Howden to a disappointing day at the office.
 "We're low on confidence at the moment. We're trying things and it's not coming off for us" said Holt. "We've had a hugely successful year and we've hit a hiccup. We'll bounce back and show what good teams do, because that's what we are".  The manager has vowed to ring changes in the Xmas special clash between all 3 Howden sides on the 27th, in anticipation for a big game vs. South Cave on 3rd in 2015. 
 Josh Jackson (pictured) was awarded man of the match as the goalkeeper showed confidence when the rest were lacking. All at Howden AFC would like to wish the supporters a merry christmas and a happy 2015.