Match number: 2798Top of the table Upper Hale's 14 game unbeaten run came to an end on Saturday with a 2-0 defeat to Weysiders Reserves at Shalford Park. Goals from Ryan Parlett and David Lupaka secured the win for Weysiders, while the visitors had a man sent off for dissent. The league leaders started brightly, and controlled possession for much of the first part of the game, but Weysiders stayed compact, defending resolutely and restricting Upper Hale to very little. The game was fiercely fought from both sides and as the half developed chances started to come. The first came for the visitors, who had two missed headers they would come to regret; one just wide of the post and another over the bar. Weysiders worked their way into the game, and for most of the first half they were limited to only a few openings. That was before a mistake from the visitors gifted Parlett with a run on goal. The winger finished neatly into the far corner to give Weysiders the lead just before half time. Just moments later, remarkably, Parlett found himself through on goal again, but could only fire over this time around. The second half was much of the same, a close battle which saw Upper Hale pick up a number of bookings. And then on the hour mark, Matt Hilton played in a sublime free kick to the back post for Lupaka to tower above the centre backs and simply nod in. With the celebrations taking place, Upper Hale had a man sent of for dissent, making their situation even more perilous. Upper Hale searched for a way back in to the game, and did create opportunities. However, they couldn't take them, with goalkeeper Ash Bradbury making a couple of fine saves to keep a clean sheet. The home side were elated at full time, while a win for Horsell drops Upper Hale to second in the table. Goals: Parlett, Lupaka Assists: Martin, Hilton Words by Glenn Noble |
