Millers downed by Hawks

KEVIN WATSON’S TABLE TOPPERS fell to their first away defeat of the season against a powerful Hawks side at The TerraPura Ground.
Goals from centre back Kacper Lopata and tall striker Duane Ofori-Acheampong clinched the points against a Millers side who had good possession and territorial advantage, but failed to find the killer touch in front of goal.
After an even opening half hour in which Hawks wideman Lucas Rodrigues posed a threat, the home side took the lead after Paul Semakula was penalised for a foul midway into the Millers’ half.
The resultant free kick was fired to the head of Ofori-Acheampong at the far post. The striker’s powerful header was well saved by Millers keeper Andy Walker’s left hand, the ball falling to Lopata just outside the six yard box to slot home.
As the visitors took a grip on proceedings, the killer ball and finish was sadly missing as the half came to an end.
Hawks extended their lead shortly after the interval when, following excellent midfield interplay, Henry Muggeridge slipped the ball through to Ofori-Acheampong 25 yards out. The forward took control, skipping past Cem Tumkaya before firing beyond the on-rushing Walker’s right hand.
As Watson rang the changes to his front line, The Millers began a strong spell of pressure on the home goal midway through the half – a succession of crosses and corners testing the home rearguard.
The visitors came closest in the 83rd minute when substitute Kevin Lisbie headed against home keeper James Broadbent’s post following an excellent turn and cross from Anthony Edgar.
But, hard as they tried, the Millers couldn’t make the breakthrough and now look to the next home league match against bottom of the table East Grinstead Town to end a run of 3 games without a win.

Footage from the match, supported by touchline comments from Kevin James, is available at https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=0PuVWKVhtBo&feature=youtu.be

Richard J Green