Sport
'Cup final surface will favour HMH,' says Haroldeans boss
Fraser Saville described Haroldeans as underdogs in Sunday’s Peter Morrison Trophy final after it was confirmed the game against HMH will be played on 3G
May 14, 2019 11:06
Fraser Saville described Haroldeans as underdogs in Sunday’s Peter Morrison Trophy final after it was confirmed the game against HMH will be played on 3G
May 14, 2019 11:06Haroldeans concluded their league season with a 7-1 triumph over Sorrento UK, with Max Barnett firing a hat-trick. Further strikes from Maxim Green (2), Andrew Burns and centre-half Sam Kersh added the gloss.
Haroldeans played some good football in the early exchanges and forged ahead on 15 minutes when Green was fouled in the area. He dusted himself down before converting from the penalty spot.
Haroldeans doubled their advantage soon after when a great ball from midfield from Andrew Burns found Green, who crossed on the right for Barnett to slot home.
Andrew Burns put the home side 3-0 up on the half hour before Barnett added another to make it 4-0.
Sorrento scored what proved to be a consolation from a corner but the four-goal lead was restored when Green scored again to give the Merseysiders a 5-1 lead at half-time.
Barnett completed his treble from the penalty spot in the second half. Green then missed Haroldeans’ third spot-kick as tempers flared and there was a 10-minute delay while referee Tom Jackson spoke to players from both teams.
Once play resumed, Haroldeans completed the rout with a seventh goal - a fantastic solo effort from Sam Kersh, who broke away from midfield and slotted past the keeper.
Haroldeans chairman Saville told JC Sport: “To be honest, the scoreline should have been more, but credit to the Sorrento keeper who made some fantastic saves in the second half.”
Haroldeans’s last game of the season away to St . Helens Town was scheduled for last Sunday, the last day of the Premier league season, but both clubs were struggling to field teams.
Haroldeans now turn their attentions to this weekend’s Jewish FA Cup final against HMH at Harrogate FC.
Fraser said: “Whilst we had hoped to get venue nearer to home or Manchester, there were no grounds available, so the Morrison Committee have chosen Harrogate Town as the venue for the final.
“Their pitch is 3G and in my opinion, this gives HMH an unfair advantage as they have played the majority of their games on 3G this season, while we have only ever
played on the surface a couple of times.
“Whilst I understand that 3 and 4G pitches are the way forward and that most of grass roots football will be played on this surface in the future, it will be difficult to play on this when you are not used to it.”