IT was a match for the ages as the Camden Haven Redbacks B-Grade squad took on second-placed South West Rocks on Saturday in Laurieton.

With the support of the infamous hill behind them, the Redbacks were keen for a win. Dominating early, the visitors seemed to be a little caught off guard, and it was clear this match was going to go down to the wire.

The Redbacks made numerous chances, with David Bauer unlucky not to score early on.

Free kicks taken by Shannon Ravoul and Lee Hartshorne were also unlucky not to find the back of the net, with some great defence by the visitors keeping the home side out.

Once again it was Matt ‘Golden Boot’ Hayes who stepped up and got the Redbacks on the board with a fantastic goal which sent the crowd wild.

The second half saw the Redbacks hungry to extend their lead, and the visitors even hungrier for an equaliser.

A shot by the Redbacks midway through the half looked certain to have crossed the line, but a desperate save from the South West Rocks Keeper resulted in no goal being awarded.

Just minutes later, it was South West Rocks on the attack, and an exhausted Redbacks defence was caught off-guard.

A dangerous tackle just outside the box saw the visitors awarded a free kick, and despite some great saves earlier from Redbacks keeper Tom Raine, a superbly taken free kick by South West Rocks could not be stopped, and the score was brought to 1-1.

Undeterred, the Redbacks did not give up and were finally rewarded when Hayes stepped up again with a brilliant match-winner, to take the score to 2-1.

A final push from the visitors almost resulted in a draw, if not for an outstanding save from Raine, but the full-time whistle came just in time for the Redbacks, who had literally left everything on the park.

Man of the Match was awarded to Hartshorne, who was solid in defence all game.

Saturday sees the Redbacks take on first-placed Port Saints in Laurieton at 1:15pm.

By Redbacks Insider