When a team is hungry, you call up a Cook.
In recent weeks, following game after game of heartbreaking defeat, it felt like HRBFC needed to add something. There was no doubt that hunger was there – you don’t lead 3-1 against table-toppers Truro City, or 2-1 away at Dorking without hunger – but yet, each time a result slipped from the Beavers’ grasp.
This time though was different.
When Maidenhead United came to town, that same hunger remained, but this time it was satisfied by former Beaver, Jack Cook. The Wealdstone club captain, arriving on a 28-day loan only two days prior, is no stranger to the Bev. He represented the team in 2017/18, making 34 appearances and scoring three goals in the process.
His relationship with current interim co-head coach Max Kretzschmar was a large part of why he chose to rejoin the Beavers, playing alongside each other at HRBFC, Woking and Wealdstone.
“A third of the league wanted to take him on loan,” said Kretzschmar. “I’ve worked with Jack for a long time. He’s probably the player that I played the most games with in my career.”
On signing, Cook himself said, “I don’t believe the club deserves to be down where they are. I’m going to take each game step by step and try to get maximum points.”
And this step felt like a fairly big one. As time eked away, into the eighth minute of stoppage time, 1-0 down with seconds left, it was a script we’ve seen before. A free-kick from John Ryan gave the home side one final glimmer of hope.
The cross was a deep one, not initially dangerous, but Kiban Rai emerged at the back post to head back across goal. Jordi van Stappershoef had looked unbeatable all match. His presence was indomitable as he claimed countless crosses, but his goal was at last breached.
He still got a hand to it not once, but twice – oh, best believe he so almost foiled the home side one final time – but this time could only palm the ball into the roof of his own net. His initial save cannoned into the face of Cook, who inadvertently nodded home from six yards out, sending the home fans into raptures.
These goals can be season-defining. It may have only been worth a point, but it was a point that felt like a win. And, after such a long period without something to cheer for, something to smile about, something to get the crowd on their feet, perhaps this moment it all changes.
The rest of the match sort of happened. Jamie Searle pulled off some impressive reaction saves to keep it level in the first half. Jasper Mather hit the bar from a tight angle after 25 minutes. Wilson Waweru dragged narrowly wide after half an hour.
The Magpies took the lead in the 72nd minute through Josh Umerah. The forward picked off a clearance from Luis Fernandez, donning the captain’s armband for the afternoon, and after dancing into the area, his right-footed strike was deflected before nestling in the bottom left corner.
It had all the hallmarks of another Beavers defeat, but this time there was a difference-maker. And long may it continue.
UTB
Written by Paul Edwards