A CLEAN sheet saw Horsham and District Soccer Club get back on the winners’ list when it defeated Ballarat North United Soccer Club on Sunday.
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The home side, Horsham, was 3-nil victors in a dominant display at Dudley Cornell Park.
It was a fast start from the boys in blue who scored their first goal within two minutes of the opening whistle.
Captain and striker Jake Hinton was on the end of the goal, slotting it past North United’s number one.
Horsham dominated the play early on and quickly capitalised on its strong hold on the game with its second 11 minutes later.
Hinton had a shot on goal after the side held possession around North United’s 18-yard box, the keeper saved but his defenders couldn’t clean up the danger.
Dah Luk got on the end of the parry and scored his first goal for the 2017 season.
For the remainder of the first term Horsham continued to play strong football but was unable to convert its chances, something the side has struggled with in 2017.
Defensively, the opposition was shut out in the first half with the back-three of Jason Wilksch, James Hibberd and Jonah Dickinson doing their job well.
Hibberd continued to sweep for his two defenders and had a key role in several important transitions.
The first half finished 2-0.
North United came out of the change rooms for the second half ready to take the game on and try to salvage a point.
The game was tighter in the second half with Horsham reverting back to an almost back-five.
Marcus Luciani and Reuben Macchia were moved from the wide positions and into the centre, providing two different dimensions for holding midfielder Luk.
Macchia provided a box-to-box style and Luciani provided a creative option.
After several good saves by Horsham keeper Berkay Demirkale the side capitalised on an opportunity.
Horsham scored its third goal from a piece of individual brilliance by Macchia on the 70th minute.
The home side was playing on the right-hand side of the pitch when a ball was put through to Macchia, who made an option on the left-hand side.
Macchia tapped the ball into open space and was clear of defenders at the 18-yard box.
The midfielder moved into a strong position and rocketed the ball into the far, top-right corner of the goal.
Horsham’s fitness came through in the closing section of the game with North United struggling to make any chances on goal.
Hibberd was named best on ground in the contest.
