Match report by George Shiangoli

Hindhead Athletic moved a step closer to the division 4 title as second place Hambledon paid the price for a slow start at Broadwater Park on Saturday. A goal in the first 5 minutes during a period of concerted Hindhead pressure proved the difference in the end as the away side successfully shut out the Dons, despite going down to 10 men midway through the second half.

After the reverse encounter back in October, this fixture was earmarked as a potential six pointer between the top two sides in the division. The match at Hindhead Playing Fields ended 3-2 to the home side after the awarding of two dubious penalty decisions. However, the Dons did have the vast majority of posession, territoty and chances, and were therefore confident of reversing the scoreline in the return fixture on home turf.

However, fast forward 3 months and Hindhead had won 5 of their subsequent 6 league outings whereas the Dons had stumbled recently in fixtures against Woking Tigers. Prior to the game, this left Hambledon 5 points off the pace, with 7 games remaining - meaning nothing short of a victory will do in keeping the title race alive for the final third of the season. And for 75 minutes, the importance of the points at stake took its toll on the contest with both sides cancelling each other out in a scrappy, hard-fought but mundane affair. Unfortunately for the Dons, it was the first 15 minutes that proved decisive in the end.

Inside the first 30 seconds an innocuous looking challenge from Darren Martin left his opponent down in a heap and unbale to carry on, Hindhead were forced into an early change at left back. The away side could have been forgiven for this early setback knocking them out of their stride, but if anything it seemed to galvanise the league leaders. In contrast to the previous meeting where the long ball seemed the primary tactic, Hindhead exploited the wings to ruthless effect. A barrage of crosses and intricate wing play had the Dons penned back on the edge of their own 18 yard box and within a few minutes they took the lead. The Hindhead attacker found himself with his back to goal after a mixup in the Dons' defence. He laid it off to his strike partner, unmarked on the edge of the box, who side-footed the ball into the top left corner leaving Matt Mullins with no chance.

Hambledon were stunned with the ferocity of the onslaught they were facing and it continued after the opener. A corner from the right was headed on goal, this time Matt Mullins with a comfortable catch. More good play by the Hindhead winger soon after skipped past Julian Robinson who did well to pressurise but not foul as the cross was wasted. Another good ball down the Hindhead right found the attacker in space in the box only for his air kick to completely miss the ball that harmlessly trickled into the gloves of Matt Mullins.

The Dons were struggling to launch their attacks with any regularity due to a combination of strong Hindhead defending and rushed passing. Ollie Jones and Thomas Whiteford were constantly being closed down and surrounded whenever they received the ball. Grant Flint on the opposite wing was finding a little more space and had two long range efforts, both of which were unfortunately off target, and Darren Martin was getting little service and little luck against the two centre backs. Despite apparently running against a brick wall, Hambledon had at least stemmed the Hindhead attacks thanks to some solid defending from Andy Parkin, Mikey Waugh and Alex Mussell who were starting to grow into the game.

Elijah Taylor was introduced midway through the half but was not given much of a chance to make any telling contribution. Despite the composure of Max Dodson at the back and Lawrence Bourke in midfield, the crisp passing and fast wing-play characteristic of the team earlier in the season elluded the Dons as Hindhead battled well to shut off the supply lines to both Taylor and Flint.

No changes were made at half time but the Dons re-emerged with renwed endeavour and seized the initiative for the first time in the game. Grant Flint delivered a superb free kick into the box, which miraculously elluded everyone when a slight touch would've sent it beyond the keeper. Darren Martin soon after raced onto a through ball causing a mix-up between the Hindhead defender and keeper. The ball squirmed between the two and was comfortably hacked clear off the line. Dominic O'Donnell was brought on to add height to the midfield and Ben Taggart filled in at left back to provide some fresh legs as the Dons took control of the game.

Then came the turning point of the half. Darren Martin was released with an inch perfect through ball only for the last man to crudely take him out before he reached the penalty area. The referee had no choice but to send the defender off; and with it came a switch in mentality for the away side. Hindhead organised two banks of four and defended in an attempt to run the clock down. They became more precise with their passing; the tactic to keep possession rather than to go in search for a second to kill the game. More time was taken over goal kicks and throw-ins and the Dons became increasingly frustrated. Jono Hill provided a welcome boost on his competitive return from an ankle injury, and was introduced in an attempt to get down the sides of the defence. But Hindhead stood fast, and displayed the organisation and tactical nouse that their league position merited.

A flurry of late corners gave the Dons some hope but it was turning into a frustrating afternoon. If anything, Hindhead looked more likely to snatch a second on the counter attack as Hambledon threw caution to the wind. The first was thwarted by Ben Taggart's rugby tackle and the second resulted in a glorious chance that Matt Mullins did well to hold onto after standing his ground.

The result leaves the Dons 8 points adrift with 6 games to play. The defeat also means that Hambledon now face a fight on their hands for promotion with the two Surrey teams breathing down their necks. What is more frustrating is that twice this season the Dons have more than matched their opponents and twice come away with nothing, missing out by the solitary goal. However, the last time the Dons suffered defeat at the hands of Hindhead, they went on a six game unbeaten run in the league and with this fixture out of the way, this squad is more than capable of going on a similar run to the end of the season.

COYDS!