Freshmen Beat Concord 4-2 on the Road For First Victory

 The freshmen eared their first win of the season Saturday with a 4-2 victory at Concord.  The Cubs entered the match having drawn Derryfield 0-0 in a lightning shortened debut match Friday.  Saturday's match gave them an opportunity to play a full match, and they embraced the opportunity with improved finishing and timely defense.

Hanover jumped out to an early lead on a goal by Brendan Tomlin, and soon thereafter they increased the lead to 2-0 on a goalazo by Henry Caterini.  Hayden Clapp started the play with quick thinking, pulling off a short corner that allowed him to feed Caterini for a bad-angle shot that chipped the Concord goalkeeper.

Concord, which had earlier beaten Portsmouth 8-0, showed how dangerous they could be, penetrating deep onto the Hanover box before talented striker Sumaili Rumadhen hit the crossbar.  Five minutes before the end of the first half, the Crimson Tide narrowed the lead with a goal resulting from poor coverage deep in the Hanover box.  It was anyone's game.

Concord stayed on the front foot in the second half, and pressed Hanover hard.  Silas Clifford made a nice block of a dangerous shot, and Mike Anderson made two good plays in the Bear goal before a third shot forced him to make a diving save that produced a juicy rebound.  Concord was first to the ball, and the match was tied.

The Bears responded to adversity with hard work and character, and it didn't take long for a positive result. Hopper Kelly found room on the right flank and launched a looping shot that chipped the keeper and gave Hanover a 3-2 lead.  With victory in sight, the Bear kept pressing the attack, with a strong shot from Ben Hannan forcing the Concord keeper to make a strong save.

Will Gomez made the defensive play of the game, tracking back to make a decisive tackle on a dangerous Concord rush. Soon afterwards, following good shots by Hannen and Drake Johnson, the Bears put the game out of reach pn a goal by Tim Rudd, assisted by Trevor Sanders.

All 23 players saw significant playing time, and thus contributed to the total team results on a host morning. Kalee Lloyd-Clare and Isaac Fellows played well on offense, and Drayce Gaines and Elliot Morales were strong at midfield.  Defenders Harrison Cottage and Elliott Hamilton were among the back line stalwarts. All three goalkeepers saw action.

Hanover is back on the road next Thursday, with a match at Keene at 4:30.

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