Football: Hopwood Hall College 5 - 3 Burnley College

Jake Frost scores again for Hopwood Hall College

Hopwood Hall College did just enough to beat Burnley College in a game that could prove to be decisive in the ECFA Category 2A League title.

With the Burnley just three points behind second placed Hopwood Hall, the fixture was a vital clash for two of the league’s top teams.

Any fears of this making the game a tight, but dull, affair were quashed inside four minutes when Hopwood captain Ben Matthews headed Hopwood in front.

Hopwood talisman Jake Frost made it two with a volley from a Joe Richards cross.

Against the run of play, Reece Axon made it three from outside the penalty box.

The score line did not reflect Burnley’s constant pressure on the Hopwood defence. However, they pulled a goal back via a heavy deflection.

With half time approaching Burnley scored again before for Matthewsdribble past two defenders to score for Hopwood and restore his team's two goal lead.

Burnley pulled the deficit back to just one goal midway through the second half before Hopwood's Matthews earned and converted a penalty to complete his hat-trick and the scoring. 

Hopwood Hall Academy Manager, Rob Johnson, was full of praise for both sides, he said:"Both sides contributed to an excellent game and were a credit to college football. High tempo, lots of goals, last ditch tackles and great attitude from both sets of players.

“We were very impressed with the opposition and the score line was a little harsh on their performance.”