Howden AFC v Hull United Reserves

Lady luck wasn't shining down on the MinsterMen in Hull as they tasted defeat, despite dominating all the stats, except goals scored. John Boardman and Damien McMahon goals weren't enough as Howden came away empty handed. 
   Holt was forced into two changes from last week as Hutchinson and Webster were both unavailable. Luke Oldridge returned in midfield and captain Damien McMahon was back in his central defence role. Wagstaff was also handed a start in place of John Boardman, who settled for a place on the bench.
  The MinsterMen raced into a frantic start and had early chances as Wagstaff was opening up the Hull United defence. But nobody was on hand to turn in some of the wide man's inviting crosses. Rothery went through after good link up with Gorman but failed to take his chance. Gorman in turn fired across the box but nobody was on hand to head home. 
  Hull United looked pacy up front and threatened on the counter. A direct style of play was met by the commanding performance of Ash Andrew who rose well in the air, and tackled strongly when needed. Hull did manage to grab a goal against the run of play. McMahon got caught under possession and was dispossessed, the striker drew a good stop from Gorman in goal. However on the resulting corner, the Hull defender rose high and headed into the top corner with a well taken finish. 
   Ten minutes later, Hull doubled their lead, which perhaps again could have been prevented. McMahon's clearance this time fell to the midfielder, who hit well and gave Gorman no chance in goal from 20 yards.
  Despite the 15 minute lapse in concentration, Howden got back on  the front foot and controlled the game. Smith and Bell linked up well, but the finishing edge was lacking as the half time whistle blew. A similar story to last weekend was unfolding how Howden weren't taking their chances.
   The second half begun and Howden came out strong, again Wagstaff causing problems. Comfortable at the back, Munday and Butterill began to break forward offering attacking outlets also. Still, no finish seemed to be in site as Rothery raced through, the striker couldn't get the ball from under his feet, failing to muster a decent strike. 
  Wagstaff was replaced by Boardman due to injury and the youngster caused just as much of a problem. Running at the home side, any clear crosses failed to reach their target and Howden began to rack up the number of corners and attacking throw-ins. Manager Holt decided it was make or break time and withdrew holding midfielder Luke Oldridge, for Striker Dave McMahon. The breakthrough did eventually come for Howden with 25 minutes to go.
 It was a Liam Bell delivery from a corner which was outswinging aimed towards Dave McMahon. However it was John Boardman who managed to header home, high into the corner giving Howden hope. 
   But it wasn't very long lived as Hull United countered the visiting side's next attacking flurry. The ball was cleared but on hand to turn home, similar to the second goal, the Hull striker fired into the corner with a nice finish. Adam Bell was brought on for Will Butterill as Howden were pushing forward and penning the home team into their own box. 
   Howden managed to get a second with 10 minutes to spare, coming via the penalty spot. A flicked header was heading into the goal but the home defender raised a hand to keep the ball out. Up stepped skipper McMahon to redeem his earlier error and put a last gasp push from the MinsterMen in full swing.
  Appeals for another penalty where turned down and Rothery was lucky to only see yellow after kicking out in frustration. Craig Gorman raced through one on one but saw his effort saved by the keepers knee. Still Howden pushed but it wasn't to be, they'd lost the game, wondering how?
 "We've been punished by poor finishing today." Holt added. "We were let off last week, but we got punished this week. The performance was of a very high standard. We need to be more clinical in front of goal otherwise we won't get points". 
 Ash Andrew was awarded man of the match for a commanding display at centre back. Howden travel to Hessle United on Saturday, aiming to bounce straight back.