FOOTBALL: HIGHGATE manager Ashley Pulisciano was again left frustrated as a goal in each half condemned Highgate to defeat against a physically stronger Heanor Town side on Saturday.
On paper Gate look strong but despite success so far in four different cup competitions Pulisciano knows he needs to bring in new faces in order to turn their league season around with the club sitting 19th in the Midland League Premier Division.
With Isaac Jagroop and Joe Cole injured, Aaron Brown suspended and Scott Rickards working Tom Lacey slotted into the right full back berth with recent signing Dale Edwards making his full debut in midfield.
A first half riddled with fouls and yellow cards was notable only for Debrouwer’s 32nd minute goal, the prolific striker turning in Cooper’s cross driven low to keeper Brendon Bunn’s near post.
Home keeper Joe McCormack had a relatively easy half with comfortable saves from Lei Brown and Edwards, although Brown could consider himself harshly treated when in 40th minute was denied what looked to be a clear cut penalty after being sent tumbling on his way clear on goal.
Gate made a positive start to the second half with Josh Hawker delivering a free kick into the heart of the box the ball bobbling around for what seemed an age but with no one able to apply a finish.
Scott Turner and Hawker both had efforts blocked but the hosts continued to be the more threatening of the two sides with Bunn saving low down from Debrouwer but then helpless to prevent Elliott Reeves scoring his side’s second 65th minute goal.
Despite the dismissal of their captain Chris Smith Heanor remained comfortably in control, McCormack keeping out Brown’s late free kick at the second attempt to maintain his sides’ clean sheet and send the visitors home empty handed.
In midweek James Loney, Lei Brown and Marco Adaggio scored the goals which earned Highgate a 3-2 win over Coleshill Town in the Birmingham Senior Cup the reward being a home tie against Birmingham City to be played at The Coppice on Monday 14th November (7.45pm)
On Saturday Highgate are in league action when they entertain Sporting Khalsa (3pm)
