Howden AFC v Hodgsons AFC

A slick defensive performance from the MinsterMen set up a comfortable 2-0 win and put Howden into the next round of the East Riding FA Senior Country Cup. A shaky opening twenty minutes were soon forgotten as Howden got into their groove and dominated at the School.  Butterill came in at right back as Munday was absent due to injury. Rothery returned up front and Haines was handed his first start following a debut goal from the bench last weekend. As one of the higher placed league side in the competition, Howden maintained a professional attitude throughout. Hodgsons were unbeaten leading up to the game and they gave a good account of themselves.   The MinsterMen were on the backfoot in the opening exchanges, mainly down to their own rusty passing play. Struggling to keep the ball on the field at times. Howden looked slack but Andrew and Webster commanded the defence and dealt with the Hodgsons direct route. A particular long throw was a choice of attack for the visitors but Andrew met the delivery on several occasions.     On the twenty minute mark, Howden began to feel their way into the game and started to draw free kicks from the opposition who were a step behind the MinterMen. The home side played the ball about well and should have gone ahead on the 25 minute mark. Liam Bell delivered an inviting corner and Webster could only rattle the cross bar with his headed effort. Gorman and Rothery began to find space in behind the Hodgsons back line. Rothery perhaps should have got the games first goal after Smith opened up the defence. Rothery managed to round the keeper but couldn't finish after a miss kick. Yet the play was encouraging. Haines delivered an inviting cross but nobody was on hand to poke home just before the half-time whistle.    Coming out Howden dictated the tempo and were hacked down on several occasions. The first goal came on 55 minutes as Gorman was hauled down 22 yards out. The striker hit the free kick at goal, the goalkeeper could only palm out the effort, Rothery was quickest to react and bagged the opening goal. The MinsterMen controlled the action and looked impressive, pleasing the watching fans. Smith, Bell and Oldridge were seeing a lot of the ball and Hutchinson began to get in on the act at left back.   Hollerbach came on for Haines to make his first team debut and the youngster worked a clever one two with Smith early on. Hollerbach fired across goal but the Hodgsons defender cleared his lines. Andrew and Webster were on hand to prevent any counter attack and Andrew found himself carrying the ball into the Hodgson's half on several occasions.    Masterman replaced Will Butterill to provide fresh legs at full back. Hodgsons appeared to be struggling for fitness and began chasing shadows. Craig Gorman managed to double the home sides lead and finished calmly after yet again some great passing work from Howden. Patient play, saw Luke Oldridge play forward a delightful pass into the run of Gorman who fired across the keeper.  Josh Oldridge made his first appearance of the season in place of Liam Bell to shore up the game. Positive play continued and Howden were dominant with the ball for the final fifteen minutes. As the whistle came, the players left the field to a deserved ovation from the spectators. "We're getting better each week and we've got a good understanding. We're working hard and this result shows our solidarity as a squad." said Holt post match. Chopper presented man of the match to Ben Webster for a commanding centre back performance. (pictured)League action for Howden as they head to Hall Road Rangers Reserves this coming Saturday.