The game got off to a very even start, with both sides trading blows within the opening fifteen minutes. In the 17th minute, Josh James produced a superb fingertip save to push Josh Clack’s effort onto the crossbar. Just over ten minutes later, the Hillians opened the scoring through Josh Short, who finished beautifully following a devastating counter attack led by Aaron Smith-Joseph. Two minutes later, Pat Harding made it two – as he capped off Charlie Bennett’s surging run and cross. Both sides had further chances to trouble the scorers, but the Hillians went into the break with a two-goal advantage.

Within three minutes of the second half, the Hillians should have had a third; but Jordi Ndozid just couldn’t apply the finishing touch with only Connor Kelly to beat. Ndozid continued to take the bull by the horns and was proving instrumental in the middle of the park for Jay Lovett’s side. James was forced into another smart save, twenty minutes from time, as he clawed away George Cody’s effort. Bennett and Harding then both had chances to wrap the game up – but neither could convert. In the 84th minute, substitute, Mason Doughty put the cherry on top of a dominant Hillians display; smashing home after a defensive error from the visitors.

The Hillians progress into the Knockout Stages of the Velocity Trophy, setting up a trip to Corinthian Casuals in the next round.

A superb effort from all of you Hillians supporters who braved the cold to support the club last night!

Next up, we’re back off to Kent.