Story from Damion Gordon
HAMPDEN— The Hampden Academy Broncos are now favorites to clinch a tournament spot ahead of the Cony Rams following a two nil home win over their opponents on Friday.
Both teams entered the game knowing that defeat could potentially end their chances of making progress even with three games remaining and it was the hosts which looked much more purposeful from the opening whistle as the pace of forwards Derek Gendreau and Bryce Nickels along with the guile of midfielder Alex Ross made life difficult for the Rams defense. Ross has been their leading scorer this season with six goals and he went closest to breaking the deadlock but his header went inches wide from a Josh Redman corner in the third minute. He also had a good chance to increase his season’s tally minutes later but having turned his marker brilliantly he fired straight at goalkeeper Nick Robinson after being set up by Gendreau.
Most of the threat for the visitors came from the attacking duo of Simon McCormick and the lightening quick Jeff Bilodeau, and it was no surprise when they combined to create anxiety for the Broncos before McCormick lashed over from just outside the 18 yard box.
But the Broncos appeared one step ahead of their opponents and they deservedly got the breakthrough in the 11th minute when Nickels dribbled into the box and were chopped down by three defenders. Ben Huston drilled the penalty to the right of a motionless Robinson. Only the left upright prevented Broncos from increasing their lead 14 minutes later as Redman’s stunning free-kick crashed off the frame.
The chances kept coming for Broncos and Ross was again guilty of wasting a precious opportunity five minutes before half time. In a frantic minute before the break goalkeeper Robinson produced a terrific save to deny Gendreau before Nate Parlin led a swift counter attack which required the intervention of goalkeeper Andrew Farnham, who had been a spectator for the most part.
The second half failed to live up to the promise of the first, but was still punctuated by moments to remember. The most significant of which arrived just five minutes in as Gendreau broke free down the right side before cutting in to drill a shot into the bottom right hand corner to make it two nil to the Broncos, but more importantly created breathing space on their opponents in the battle for a tournament spot. The Rams had two genuine chances to make a match of the contest late on but McCormick headed wide from inside the six yard box, while three players failed in an attempt to get the ball over the line after goalkeeper Farnham spilled a tame shot from Parlin. The Rams ended the game strongly but a goal-bound effort from Parlin was cleared off the line with seconds left on the clock as the Broncos held on for a two-nil triumph.
Coach Josh Stevens hailed the players for their application in what he described as a high quality performance.
“For the first time we came out ready to play and were able to put it together today. We played some of the ball that we weren’t able to all season, but today we found feet and it was really good” said Stevens.
He also said the team will continue to look to Ross their leading scorer, who is still recovering from a fracture right wrist, which is still in a cast.
“We need more from him at this stage of the season and he hasn’t scored since that injury, but he’s been great for us and we’ll need him to come good at this time.”
The defeat was the seventh of the season for the Rams and Head coach Jon Millet admitted they were second best on the night but lauded his players for their efforts.
“They were the better team tonight, we had our opportunities to score and we didn’t but I’ve got no complaints because they played as well as they are capable of and they gave it their all tonight against a very good team.”
Both teams have three games remaining in the regular season with Broncos looking to follow up Friday’s win with another good display when they visit Bangor on Tuesday, while the Rams are hoping for better fortunes at home against Skowhegan Area High starting at 3:30 pm.
