A slightly cold and damp early Sunday morning saw Harefield host West Drayton Explorers in the league plate.
Harefield were without goalkeeper Harry E, and even more worryingly, Richard, who does the match report, in what was to be another tough game.
WDE started the game much livlier than Harefield, quicker to the ball and stronger in the challenge. Whenever we cleared our lines the ball just kept coming back!
Harvey S having the Hares best chance with great control, taking the ball past his man and getting a shot away from the edge of the box, making the WDE make a save.
William H, the stand in goalkeeper, making one outstanding fisrt half save, bravely diving at the feet of the WDE centre forward and grabbing the ball with both hands.
Half time 0-0
Second half started and again WDE were taking charge. Harefield on the back foot defended very well against the attack. Alex G and Thomas R were on red alert under the pressure.
Through all the WDE possession, no real scond half saves to make as the Hares defense stood firm.
Full time 0-0
A short pep talk from Harvey C's grandad, Del, before the extra time kicked off, seemed to spark Harefield into life. The Hares started getting into the game with Harvey S, Travis C and Joseph B getting more of the ball in midfield and Harvey C and Kristof G getting the WDE keeper involved in the game.
From defending a WDE corner, Joseph B met the ball with a massive clearance up field. Harvey C immediately controlled it and turned to attack the last defender. With a bit of skill, speed and strength Harvey was through one on one with the keeper. Keeping his nerve he calmly slotted the ball into the corner. As the week before, the home crowd went mad. 1-0.
The second half of extra time was a nervous affair for the Hares, but they defended in numbers to keep WDE at bay. Despite a full on attack on the Harefield goal, with the WDE keeper coming up for their last corner, Harefield hang on.
Man of the match went to Harvey C. His hard work off the ball paid off by creating himself the only good opportunity in the game and taking it so calmly.
This wasn't Harefield's best performance, but they showed true grit and determination to keep going to the end and get a result. Well done boys!!!