Harlequins keep the faith (From The Wiltshire Gazette and Herald)

Harlequins keep the faith

HARLEQUINS stuck with the side that were unlucky to lose 2-1 at Christchurch on Tuesday evening giving youngsters Matty Baker and Kevin Thick another chance on the left.

Matty Smith also retained his position, wide on the right, in the absence of the injured Jason Ahmet.

Playing with a strong wind in their backs, the Harlequins took advantage of the conditions and kept Blackfield hemmed in.

It took only ten minutes to break through with Paul Palmer heading in at the far post from a left wing cross.

Playing neat football, the home side created many good chances but often overhit the final pass. One ball led to Palmer back heeling to set up Darren Crook, but his shot was blocked on the line.

On 33 minutes the pair combined again, this time Palmer heading on for Crook to race through and shoot home left footed into the bottom corner.

The second half was much the same with the Quins making more chances, but Blackfield 'keeper, Paul Bowers kept his side in the game with some excellent stops.

Ian Chalk had the best chance when Crook's cross found him unmarked but he headed over.

Substitute Stuart Findlay soon got into the game running past a static defence and crossed only for Crook to miss by a fraction.

Heath's third goal came from a repeat move on 84 minutes as Findlay sped through and found Crook unmarked at the far post and he made no mistake.

Heath conceded a penalty in the final seconds when Mark Daubney was penalised for a handball spotted by the assistant. Steve Wheatland converted the penalty.