Game Changer participated in another grading game friendly with the aim of joining local Saturday and Sunday leagues for the forthcoming 2023-24 season. The Oranges faced the Sheffield based club (in the S6 region), RvR Hillsborough, who, in the last two seasons finished second in the Flourish League Division 1, narrowly behind Futures FC (whom the Changer side played on 13th May). Whilst Game Changer remain chasing their first victory, the Hillsborough club come into this fixture following a 5-1 defeat to Richmond last Sunday.
Like Game Changer, RvR Hillsborough work tirelessly in the battle and supporting men’s mental health. Both teams battled against the searing heat, but it was the S6 side which prevailed in a 7-2 victory which saw them lead 3-1 at the break.
Peter Harrison took charge of first-team duties in Gavin Frost’s absence. They were without Jack Brown, Dean Crawford, and Jamie Moore through injury – whilst Kevin Laws, and Ben Peel were further absentees. Meanwhile, the Hillsborough Club were going through a transitional period and named several debutants amongst their ranks.
Game Changer 2-7 RvB Hillsborough Sunday, 18th June 2023 – Kick-Off: 13:00 PM Friendly Match
Game Changer XI | Substitutes |
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The game started even with neither side getting the better of one another in the opening exchanges, although, the hosts gave a stout performance in the opening fifteen minutes and found themselves a goal to the good following an excellent cross from Jesse Payne and was headed home under challenge from Filip Rudnicki – his first in a Game Changer shirt!
However, the visitors considered themselves unfortunate not to have taken the lead minutes previous after a headed goal was ruled out for offside. The opposition weren’t happy and was one of many contested referee decisions by the Hillsborough Club. On two separate occasions they were reduced to ten men in the first half after the referee issued five minutes sinbins following foul and abusive language.
Despite forcing strong attacks, which saw Cameron Harrison twice see back post efforts, from Jesse Payne’s left-wing crosses, saved by the keeper, the Changer team found themselves conceding three goals, after taking advantage of lacklustre defending. After levelling, the opposition striker got the better of defender Michael Gibson before firing past keeper, Ryan Hunter.
The visitors extended their lead shortly before the break through a rare mistake from Hunter after he attempted to prevent conceding a corner, however, in turn, he kept the ball in play and the advancing attacker was able to take the ball unchallenged and slot home with the easiest of finishes!
Half-Time: Game Changer 1-3 RvR Hillsborough
Both sides made changes at half-time with Peter Harrison replacing Hunter in goal, whilst several outfield changes were made.
The hosts failed to content with Hillsborough’s long-range efforts over the top, which led to four second-half goals for the opposition. It was a ball over the top which got the better of substitute defender, Paul Holland, as the striker advanced before shooting past Harrison.
With the score 4-1 to the visitors, the hosts reduced the deficit after Chris Gibson was play through on goal, and after getting the better of the keeper, his chipped cross was met by the diving header of Payne.
Unfortunately, the visitors went straight from the kick-off and a near post effort beat Harrison at his near post.
The visitors would, eventually, win 7-2
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