Mad Two Minute Spell Ensures Second Cup Defeat

Last updated : 19 August 2010 By Dan Buxton

Hardly Athletic, with yet more mass changes, went down to a spirited 4-0 defeat against Premier League side Arsealona.

Out from last week went Ash Newman, Chris Cope and Paul Dale, with Matthew Peart, Matthew Young and the returning Dan Hallam, back after leaving his Sunday league side this week, coming into the squad.

Playing against an experienced and clever top flight side Hardly needed to be patient and solid to try and grind out a result and that was evident in the opening stages.

With Hallam's trickery up front Hardly were able to get up and support the frontman but found the opposition keeper in fine form, as was Athletic keeper Young, with both keepers pulling off numerous top saves in the first half.

The score at the break was 1-0 to 'Lona though when a crisp shot flew through Young legs and although that was the score at the break the game was soon over as a contest as three goals in the opening two minutes of the second half, past an exposed Young, killed the game.

Hardly then clicked back into gear and had a lot of possession in the second half but despite numerous shots at goal they found the keeper unbeatable and were denied a consolation by the man in the opposition goal.