ADL Trophy Semi-Final: Premiership Pornstars 3-1 We Hate Ben

We Hate Ben slumped to a disappointing defeat in the ADL Trophy Semi-Final in James Naik's final match as manager. After taking the lead in the first-half it looked good for WHB but a poor second-half showing saw the club knocked out of the Trophy.

In a match that promised so much with its splendid pitch and sparkling weather, in addition to the biggest crowd of the season, We Hate Ben fell at the final hurdle and not for the first time this season. The SoccerJoos have struggled all season against a team that were proclaimed favourites, and despite an excellent first-half performance they were again left wanting by the final whistle.

Naik lined up with a 4-1-4-1 formation in an attempt to win the midfield and keep a strong back line. Despite the lack of numbers up front, James Peate had a few efforts which could have seen WHB have a healthy lead. Premiership Pornstars were not without their chances however, while Liam Weaver, Michael Jones and Chris Webster had solid games at the back keeping Pornstars at bay. Peate did however open the scoring with a deflected effort that bounced up over the oncoming Pornstars keeper.

The second-half was very different however, with WHB failing to carry on their first-half performance. Pornstars started to dominate and even hit the woodwork on a couple of occasions before equalising on the hour. The goal seemed to rattle WHB and it wasn't long before a second was added and the lead was taken. In an effort to try and keep WHB in the match Naik made some changes to strengthen the attack but despite a few chances to get into the match, the lack of men in the middle saw Pornstars score their third and put the match beyond doubt.

In his final match as We Hate Ben boss, Naik had the following to say: "It is with a very heavy heart that I leave the club after such a disappointing defeat. I thought we were the better side in the first half and after we scored our opener I believed we would go on to win the match. Our second-half performance left a lot to be desired and it looked like the long season had taken its toll on the lads, and maybe I could have done more with the bench. However, just because we have been knocked out of the Trophy, we must focus on the fact we have just had our most successful season and we have a strong backbone of players who can try and improve again next year. I would like to thank all the players and staff and all of the fans who have shown their support over the three years I have been here, the fans have been fantastic. I would like to wish everyone next season the best of luck."

Team (4-1-4-1, then 4-4-2 and 3-4-3)

Weaver - L'argent, Jones, Webster, Townsend - Rees - Pope, J. Thomas, Bodalikar, Williams - Peate

Subs

Used: Egbeyemi, Sermon, S. Thomas, MacDonald, Moss, England. Unused: Fleming, Giessler, Shaw, Harvey.

Goals: Peate

Man of the match: Webster