Hardwick FC Earns Home Playoff Match
by Harry Besett
HARDWICK – Hardwick FC traveled to Barre on Sunday to face Barre FC.
Both sides started strongly in an evenly-matched first half that would eventually end 0-0.
As the second half began, Hardwick started to take control of the game and had a few good shots saved by Barre’s ’keeper.
Against the run of play Barre had a strong opportunity to score first but Hardwick’s goalkeeper was able to make a diving save to palm the ball back out into the box for a defender to clear out. From the scramble Hardwick kept possession and some quick passes led to a counter attack at the other end.
Walker McAllister got behind the Barre defense and onto a perfectly weighted through ball that he calmly slotted into the back of the net. The game stayed tense and five minutes later Hardwick would accidentally score an own goal to tie the game at 1-1.
Hardwick pressed to find the game winner but wave after wave of attack was snuffed out. Finally with three minutes left in the match, Hardwick pressed down the right side of the field and volleyed in a looping cross at the far post to secure the important three points in their quest to finish in the top half of the table and earn a home playoff match.
Hardwick extend their record to 4-2-1. Hardwick FC will have a bye next week and will face first placed Upper Valley in two weeks in Waterbury.
