Match Report: Ball Haye Green FC Reserves vs LA Potters
The Reserves were back on home turf this week as they welcomed LA Potters to Waterhouses, with Green keen to bounce back following last week’s defeat.
Despite being without 15 regular Reserves players, Green were boosted by the inclusion of three First Team names, including the welcome return of Paul Hughes from a long-term injury, alongside Kal Humphries and Tom Edwards.
Green started the brighter of the two sides, moving the ball confidently through the thirds. The opening goal arrived from a Nath Salt corner — Edwards’ initial header was blocked, but Ryan Heery reacted quickest to blast home from close range to give Green a deserved 1–0 lead.
The midfield trio of skipper Rukundo, Tams, and Humphries were in full control, with LA Potters offering little threat going forward.
Green doubled their advantage thanks to some brilliance from Humphries. The midfielder beat three players with exquisite footwork before being brought down in the box. Cue the surprise — despite loud protests from the Green management, centre-half Tom Edwards stepped up and coolly slotted the penalty into the bottom-left corner. Ice cold. 2–0 Green.
At half-time, Hughes was replaced by manager Marco da Silva, alongside a system change aimed at taking full control of possession and suffocating the visitors.
That plan worked perfectly. Green dominated the second half with well over 70% possession, dictating the tempo and seeing the game out professionally. While a few half-chances came and went, the result was never in doubt.
Goalkeeper Matt Hartley was called into action just once, making a comfortable save from a long-range effort in an assured defensive display. A clean sheet and a solid performance saw Green return to winning ways — happy days.
Next up, Green are back at Waterhouses once again as they host Keele University 2nds, a strong and youthful side who will provide a tough test.
Squad:
M Hartley
R Birchall
F Horvath
T Edwards
J Sheps (L O’Brien)
M Rukundo (R Dakin)
L Tams (R Knipe)
K Humphries
R Heery
P Hughes (M da Silva)
N Salt (J Upton)