Hulme progress to the next round..

First round of the cup was always a hurdle Hulme fell at many times, especially in recent years. The Welcome return of permanent manager Mr Marshall meant the boys were in the best possible position going into the game with the intention of sending Malvern back to Bristol and out of the tournament. Mr Mairs decided to carry on from Saturdays win by training the lads before kick-off, hoping to achieve a similar result. The game started and immediately the lads begin to battle, both sides came close to scoring, and both sides seemed really up for this prestigious game. Mid-way into the first half Hulme gave the ball away and a cross came in to be met by an unmarked Malvern player leaving Tyler with no chance, we were 1-0 down. From then on out Hulme stepped up their work rate and threw everything at Malvern, with no joy. Going into the changing room at half time, the boys were anxious, and fretting over a repeat of last years first round result. However after very wise words from both Mr Marshall and Mr Mairs, the boys seemed to be back in the right frame of mind to go out on the pitch and take the game by the scruff of the neck. Almost immediately after the re-start, Bradley Norcross floated a free kick into the box which Zak Forster pounced on to smash home and tie the game at 1-1. This was the lift the boys needed and after more close chances we received a free kick around 30 yards out towards the touch line. The ball was whipped in by Adam Myers only to evade every player including the keeper and nestle in the bottom corner of the net giving Hulme a 2-1 lead. The boys then persisted not to let Malvern convert again and fought like warriors to keep the lead. The game ended 2-1 to Hulme after a solid performance. The football was no where near as good as the boys are capable of producing but due to the hard work of every man we emerged winners. As a wise man re-quoted after the game "they say a good team can play rubbish and still win games" this point was indeed proved on Tuesday. Man of the match Jordan Marsh has an outstanding game at right back. The lads now look forward to an overnight trip down south, hopefully, against Eton College.