Witney & District League

Premier Division

Saturday 18th September 2021

Kick Off 17.00 Actual 17.03

Hanborough 2 Hailey 3, attendance 161 (official)

40’ 1-0

57’ 2-0

71’ 2-1

74’ 2-2 (pen)

83’ 2-3

@ Hanborough Playing Field Association

Roosevelt Road

Long Hanborough

OX29 8JG

£4 Admission, including programme, whether you wanted it or not. ( I never want or will buy a programme at any event organised by Groundhop U.K.)

In the end the journey from Summertown Stars back to here was trouble free and we were parked up by 16.32. We had even more time to spare than we thought as the match kicked off three minutes late. The league don’t give the impression of being a well run set up. On the Full Time website they couldn’t even be bothered to put an address on for this match, simply listing the venue as ‘Hanborough First’.

The game was of a better standard than the morning match, although it would have to go some to be any worse. At least we were getting to see a Premier Division match, but it is still a total rip off to charge £4 for what is basically Step 9 football. Hanborough have dropped down into this league from the Oxfordshire Senior League, a drop of two levels, as they were in the Premier Division last season.

The first half was very poor. Both teams had a goal disallowed and Hailey missed a 28th minute penalty, which was well saved by the ‘keeper. Five minutes before halftime Hanborough edged in front and when they went 2-0 up just before the hour mark, it looked like they were coasting to an easy win. Hailey pulled one back on 71 minutes, then levelled it up at 2-2 with a penalty three minutes later. Hailey then completed an unlikely looking turnaround, when they netted the winner seven minutes from time. Hanborough could have rescued a point, but a good save from the visitors ‘keeper in the last minute prevented them from doing so.

Just like the last Witney & District League ‘hop, the football has been of very poor quality. Even allowing for the level we are at, you’d hope for better. Still, it could be different tomorrow, although don’t bank on it. We are starting off with a Division 4 match, where the opposition are a Reserve team……