FOOTBALL: HIGHGATE returned to winning ways on Saturday to keep hopes of promotion from the Midland Football League alive, writes John Townley.
Following a disappointing defeat to Long Eaton, Highgate snuck one-goal past Quorn FC to remain in the top six of the division – albeit nine points short of table topping Coleshill.
Ashley Pulisciano made three changes to the line-up with George Robbins, Josh Hawker and Marco Addagio making way for Scott Richards, Richard Bryan and Richard Batchelor.
The latter replacing George Robbins at centre half, would be part of a Highgate side earning their first home defensive clean sheet of the season, as Quorn held little possession throughout the game, with the Gate controlling the ball.
Highgate’s forward Luke Barlone started well as he used his physical prowess to link with Nathan Pulisciano on the left flank.
With Scott Richards making a move across the face of goal, Pulisciano’s drilled ball found the midfielder at the near post, however his improvised effort didn’t trouble Haydn Whitcombe in the Quorn goal.
The forward continued to impress as his effort on 17 minutes forced Whitcombe to tip the ball over the bar.
With the home side pushing to break the deadlock, gaps were left in their own half as Quorn were allowed to counter attack against Pulisciano’s men on the cusp of half time.
Natan Dale – advancing on the left flank – struck low to Bradley Catlow’s right. With his low strike troubling the Highgate custodian, he reacted well to push wide, ending the half goalless.
Three minutes into the second period, Highgate skipper Aaron Brown opened the scoring.
Waiting at the back post, Brown’s patience paid off as Corey Currithers’ shot fell his feet after he collected the ball from Rickards corner on the left wing.
Marco Addagio replaced Rickards on 55 minutes to bolster Gate’s attack as the 20 goal striker took his place alongside Luke Barlone in the forward roles.
Without immediate reply from Quorn, their only goalscoring opportunity in the second half fell on 60 minutes as Sean Williams effort across goal was thwarted by Catlow.
