Last season’s promotion is a distant memory as UEL succumbed to their third defeat of the season against Hartpury men’s 1st Football team.
First Half Chaos
East London men’s 1st team got off to the worse possible start conceding within the first two minutes. Hartpury played the ball over to the left side where it was picked by number 11 who then fired it across the box for it to be tapped in by number 10.
However, three minutes later, Troy Walters panicked the Hartpury keeper who gave away a penalty which Walters smashed it down the middle of the goal, making the score 1-1.
A fast start for both teams as UEL got another chance by hurrying the keeper. Walters was able to put his shot wide.
It wasn’t long until Hartpury got back in front and the goal was identical from their first, however 10 turned as a provider for 11. The chaos continued as barely a minute later UEL had equalised again.
Dylan Nunes started the attack flying forward from left back, after fighting his way to it into the final third, he played it towards Walters who flicked it through the legs of the defender to Edward Olaniyi who sat the keeper down and placed it into an empty net.
After 30 mins, Hartpury had a chance to extend their lead for the first time in the match.
Second Half Woes
Both teams came out with the same intensity they had before the break. Although after a scrappy first 5 minutes UEL conceded a penalty, trying to clear the ball away, which Hartpury scores.
UEL needed to find their third equaliser if they wanted anything out of this game. As the half progressed the game worsened with the referee handing out cards to both teams.
Chances came and went for UEL but to not prevail. There was a real sense urgency from the UEL team as we approached injury time.
For the last corner of the game the manager called up keeper Qamil Dervishaj and as the corner came to his feet everyone took a breath.
But this was cleared off the line from Hartpury and the match ended 3-2 concluding in a defeat.
Captain Sanchez’s Reflection
After the game Rising East spoke to Captain Jonathan Sanchez on his thoughts about the game and what is to be expected in the game next Wednesday’s game with Bath University.
Listen To Interview Here
Edited By Pierrette Simuene
