FSA Pro Leicester put in an excellent second half display to push league leaders Hartpury all the way in a closely fought battle.
In wintry conditions both teams played their part in an entertaining encounter which started at a good pace early in the game. FSA Pro had good possession early on with Hartpury's front 3 looking dangerous when they ventured forward. FSA Pro caused some problems of their own over playing at the back resulting in some pressure from Hartpury's strong attack. From a poor pass out from the back Hartpury took the lead beating the FSA Pro defence to open the scoring. A short while after a similar goal was scored from a poor defensive pass leading to a Hartpury attack clinically being finished off. FSA Pro had a couple of chances of their own before half time but didn't test the opposition goalkeeper enough when in good positions.
The second half saw a much improved display from FSA Pro both attacking and defensively. FSA had a majority of possession with the ball spending more time in the opposition half.
An excellent through ball from Pharrell March found a well timed run by Kyle Bottrill who did well to perfectly lob the Goalkeeper. With the ball heading into the goal Hartpury managed to clear the ball off the line despite the ball looking to have crept in and no goal was given. Moments later Filip Siezcko who played well throughout the game was bought down just inside the area to give the hosts a penalty. Sam Carroll stepped up to confidently fire the ball into the corner giving the goalkeeper no chance. With Hartpury needing to win to stay at the top this pressure resulted in an excellent spell for FSA with some good football being played. With 25 minutes left another excellent pass from Pharrell March found Filip Siezcko through on goal, after a great first touch did everything right but the Hartpury goalkeeper produced an excellent save to stop an equaliser.
Despite the spell of pressure FSA Pro were unable to equalise and after a poor pass out from the back Hartpury intercepted and finished clinically again to restore the 2 goal lead. The game finished with Hartpury looking more likely to score towards the end and for FSA Pro thinking what might have been after matching the league leaders during the second half in a creditable display.
Final score FSA PRO Leicester 1- 3 Hartpury
Man of the Match: Pharrell March