The Marauders played their best game of the season before a big home crowd on Wednesday, losing 1-0 to Bedford on a second half goal. The game was a matchup between two of the best teams in Division One, and did not disappoint.
The first half was typical for a contest between two teams dependent on possession, largely a stalemate played between the penalty areas. The statistics for the half reflect the parity of the match and the paucity of chances. Both defenses were up to the task, with Hanover a strong performance from the back four of Sam Pych, Lucas Adams-Blackmore, Adam Pikielny and Will Smith.
Hanover had the first clean-cut chance, and it was a golden one. A quick exchange of passes gave Marcus Helble a point-blank opportunity, but his shot was saved by Bulldog goalkeeper Jake Statires.
Soon afterwards, Bedford's standout midfielder Mark Keiffer hit a hard shot that Patrick Logan blocked effectively, quickly covering the rebound. Hanover then nearly scored one one of the favorite set plays, a long throw by Will Smith that Casey Starr headed into the goal mouth, where Jake Acker barely missed connecting.
The back and forth play continued in the the second half, but Hanover became increasingly effective in the quality of their chances. Henry goal got a good shot on goal off a free kick that was saved by Statires, and Jake Acker got his head on a corner kick that got to the far post, and improvement on two first half corners that never cleared the first line of defense.
Bedford did an excellent job counterattacking, and 15 minutes into the half they penetrated the Marauder defense and scored the only goal of the match. Mark Keiffer eluded several tacklers in the center of the penalty area and managed to find room for a pass to freshman striker Nathan Statires, who ripped a shot that tucked inside the right post.
Hanover had trailed twice already this season, and was hardly fazed. Over the next 25 minutes they mounted a patient attack that was varied and at times dominant. After a corner kick, a loose ball fell to Sam Pych in the box, and his point-blank shot was saved by Statires. On a similar play, Will Smith barely missed connecting with a shot from the same spot. Then came a killer. Once again Will Smith launched a long range throw that Casey Starr once again flicked into the box with his head. The ball found Jake Acker for a sitter, but his left-footed shot missed the target. Charlie Adams, wide awake, had several looks on the right side that he could not direct on goal.
Despite the 25 minutes of domination, Hanover could not crack a Bedford defense that collected its fifth shutout of the season, with only one goal allowed in their six matches. It was a tough pill to swallow for the Marauders, but the sting will be mitigated by the many positive elements of the game. If this match was a benchmark after the first quarter of the season, the Marauders would get high marks. They have coalesced with every game, and now have even more motivation to put in the hard work to prepare for a potential rematch with Bedford. Hanover conducted themselves with class after the final whistle, and both teams had good appreciation for the quality of the match which they had created.
After two days of training, Hanover hits the road on Friday for a match with winless Spaulding. Not their fault, but wouldn't want to be the Red Raiders right now.
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