Game Changer again succumbed to a defeat, despite taking the lead in what was a spirited performance in an energetic first half which saw the visitors lead by two goals to one. They were, however, left disappointed to see three goals disallowed for offside. The second half was flat and despite notching another goal, it was Highgate who stole the show with two quick-fire goals and putting the tie as a contest beyond.
Despite having been formed as a football team for seven months (since November 2022), the Game Changer side were searching for their first ever victory against a newly formed Highgate FC side – who were playing their first ever football match, However, it was evident that most of the side had gained experience applying their trade elsewhere. Both sides competed in this friendly match with the aim of joining a local league.
Heading into the match, the Oranges were without; Jack Brown, Ben Peel, Luke Dowl, and Scott Rooke. However, they did hand a debut to winger Ali Lima.
Changers coach, Gavin Frost said on the defeat;
“Basically, a taler of two halves. We got in front through Jesse chasing down a ball and fortunate enough to win the ball off the goalkeeper, composed finish. Tried to keep on telling the players to keep composed and keep things as they were. Unfortunately, we conceded just before half-time. I tried as well to limit the substitutes which wasn’t the best on a day like today. It’s been warm conditions. Overall, I would say there has been more positives then negatives in the first half, but second half was completely different. It is frustrating as I know that the lads can do it. I wanted it to click so much but it didn’t. There are some bits to work on, and to improve on. Overall, from where we have become, we have nine or ten players who haven’t played (11-a-side) football before this.
Game Changer 2-7 Highgate FC Saturday, 21st May 2023 – Kick-Off: 11:00 AM Friendly Match
Game Changer XI | Substitutes |
Liam Cole | Jamie Moore |
Ryan Hunter | Peter Harrison |
Matthew Townsend (C) | Brett Hanson |
Paul Holland | Ali Lima |
Levi Wilkinson | Lewis Oliver |
Josh Payne | Kevin Laws |
Dean Crawford | |
Brandon Jones | |
Cameron Harrison | |
Jesse Payne | Manager |
Michael | Gavin Frost |
Despite the result, it was the hosts who got off to the better start and, undoubtedly, raised their spirits having recorded disappointing results in the last few months. Dean Crawford sent a high ball from midfield, which cleared the Highgate defence – leaving Jesse Payne an opportunity to chase onto the ball before expertly clipping the ball over an onrushing keeper as the ball nestled coolly into the net.
Game Changer were unfortunate not to extend their when goal-scorer Payne twice found the net, but both goals were ruled out for offside. His first was a neat lob over the keeper and his second, a finish on the angle.
The visitors rarely threatened, and they too were thwarted by offsides. On the rare occasion that balls found the Changer box, these were defended stoutly by the back four. Holland cutting out a low cross into the box on one occasion whilst Townsend won serval headers in the box.
They did, however, breach the Changer defence midway through the first half when they were presented with a free kick on the edge of the penalty area. The resulting spot-kick found its way over the positioned wall and, despite, keeper Cole’s best efforts, the ball went in via the underside of the crossbar.
Highgate soon took the lead through lucky, rather than judgement after a ball through saw Ryan Hunter turn and clear. However, the ball struck an oncoming attacker and cruelly despatched into an unguarded net.
There was further drama at the opposition end as a telling free-kick midway in the opposition half was sent towards goal. The ball cannoned off the crossbar, and with the keeper helpless, Brandon Jones failed to turn in on the tightest of angles.
The second half was, in contrast, a different story in comparison to the first 45 minutes. It isn’t quite clear what went wrong but the opposition did change to a 4-3-3 formation, whilst the hosts continued at 4-4-2, whilst also making a couple of substitutions.
None-the-less the visitors were handed a shock early on after the re-start when Josh Payne, brother of Jesse, worked hard on the left-flank before driving the ball hard and low and beyond the keeper as the ball flew in at the far post – drawing the game level!
But from there it was all downhill as they failed to breakdown the opposition backline, whilst their forwards capitalised on lacklustre defender. Twice keeper Cole was lobbed from distance in quickfire goals and a stray pass across the box gifted a scoring opportunity, which they took with full honours.
It was a disappointing result following a splendid performance. It may have been the rising temperatures which saw the hosts suffer a second-half onslaught but they left once again reflecting on what might have been.
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