Hardy Athletic F.C.

There were goals galore for Hardy as they recorded an 8-1 victory, their joint biggest win of the season (Esprit, 6/11/11) and inflicted the worst defeat of PL United's campaign.
It was in-form striker David Steadman who contributed most with his second hat-trick in as many games. Tony Cunningham (x2), Billiy Bridger, Ben Watson and Michael Kaylor were the others to find the net.
The 2-0 half-time scoreline, courtesy of two Cunningham goals, was a fair reflection of the game as although Athletic were far from their best, they were still controlling the majority of the play.
The second half saw a more clinical Hardy performance. Everyone seemed hungry to score, especially from Watson's well delivered set pieces. Arguably the best moment of the game was served up by the tireless Bridger. Having received the ball some 40 yards from goal, he advanced towards the penalty area. A United defender probably thought he had done enough to force him out wide into a seemingly non-goalscoring position. However, from the right corner of the box Bridger unleashed a fierce shot across the goal into the far top corner of the net leaving the outstreched keeper well beaten. A very fine solo goal.
With the teams around them in the league not playing, this win closed the gap on Puma 2000 in 5th to 4 points. Similarly, there is now a 4 point gap to 7th placed Esprit.
So, next up in two weeks is PL United again. This big win will no doubt ensure Hardy enter that game with huge confidence but we should expect United to be looking for sweet revenge.