Hale End AFC Vets 6 - 1 Maidonians

Hale End vets began the new season in style with an emphatic victory over Maidonians.
Promoted as champions of division 3 the team were looking to make a solid start but produced a performance that exceeded expectations.  After a slow opening, Hale End gradually took control and a sustained period of pressure resulted in the first goal when Suhail Butt smashed home a loose ball from close range.
A second quickly followed.Some neat midfield interplay sent sharp shooter Martin Treadway clear for a cool finish.  This promoted a response from Maiden,but the home defence coped with the visitors attacks,and shortly before the break an excellent free kick from Halil Hassan gave the visiting keeper no chance.Maidonians began the second half on the front foot and Athletic found themselves struggling to get into the game,but a breakaway move on the left side led to Hassan finishing superbly for his second of the game.  A lapse in concentration led to the home side conceding a needless penalty,but it proved a wasted opportunity as the kick was blazed over.Some astute substitutions led to Hale End re-establishing their dominance and some clever passing sent Darren Foss clear and he made no mistake with a crisp left foot drive. As tiredness set in a lack of concentration gave the visitors an opportunity to score which they gladly accepted.
Stung,the home side rallied and minutes from the end a poor challenge in the penalty area gave Halil Hassan the opportunity to complete his hat-trick, which he duly did with a cool finish, just in time for the final whistle.  

Team: G.Doodes,S.Windeatt,H.Hassan,H.Francis,K.Whitworth, B.Smith,P.Obinkwo,S.Butt,D.Foss,M.Treadway,T.Burton, P.Amico,J.Rodriguez,B.Howard. 

Goals Suhail Butt, Halil Hassan 3, Martin Treadway, Darren Foss

Photos and videos are available at  http://www.haleendafcvets.co.uk/gallery/home-to-maidonians