FRIDAY NIGHT LIGHTS – Hillhead take the spotlight

Hillhead v Uddingston men

Friday Night Lights and a blistering first half performance by Hillhead was enough to see off Uddingston in Men’s National League 1.

The game was barely a few minutes old when Hillhead took an early lead. A long searching pass into the D was finished off from a tight angle by Ewan Campbell to make it 1-0.

Hillhead were looking strong and composed early doors; dominating the midfield and the tempo. Uddingston were struggling for fluency in the early stages but not for effort as they strived to match their hosts.

The speed of Hillhead’s play was too much and soon it was 2-0. Andrew Black was sensational in the move and a great exchange in the D was smashed home by Chris Wilson.

Uddingston had barely caught their breath when Hillhead piled into their D yet again and a wayward challenge brought the award of a penalty flick. Andrew Hilton stepped up and struck it hard and low into the net to make it 3-0.

Uddingston came close but were denied when Hillhead keeper Jamie Frail rushed out to block a shot at the edge of his circle.

As half time approached Hillhead were playing some exceptional hockey and the play was rewarded with another goal when Callum Duke struck a superb finish across the keeper to make it 4-0 Hillhead.

Hillhead v Uddingston men 1It was a great first half performance by the hosts and while Uddingston were working hard to compete they were not able to create chances of their own.

The second half however was a different story – a much more even affair. Uddingston looked a far more settled side after the break and did a much better job of destructing Hillhead’s play. Percy was much more involved and the visitors were able to play further up the pitch.

A good penalty corner by Uddingston was well saved by Frail. Then Kaza made a good run down the right but was crowded out by Hillhead defenders.

Later there was a massive battle for the ball in the Uddingston D but Percy dug deep under pressure and came away with the ball while gold jerseys swarmed around him.

Uddingston’s second half performance was rewarded by a goal when they pulled one back through a Kaza penalty corner. It was a great low finish to the left of the goalkeeper.

Hillhead Head Coach Mark Ralph said: “I’m massively pleased with the performance. We took on board the points made at last week’s training and it worked dividends in the first half tonight. We let it slip a little in the second half, but credit to Uddingston for changing their tactics.

“We knew it would be a physical came but we matched that and maybe caught Uddingston a bit cold in the first fifteen minutes, and we were able to get some goals in the first fifteen minutes.”

It was Hillhead’s night and they were well deserving of their victory under the lights at Old Anniesland.

FULL TIME: Hillhead 4-1 Uddingston

Photos by Duncan Gray www.duncolm.co.uk

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