Men’s First Team 0-4 Hampstead & Westminster Thirsts – Away
Goal scorers: N/A
Player of the Match: Linus
“We Go Again!
The time had arrived. Saturday 12:45 meet, 1:25 arrivals and 1:35 push back but boy was it good to be back!
Under the new leadership style of Rob, now lovingly taking on the nickname Skipps, and Neil as his trusty steed plus voice of reason the lads were ready to go.
In a highly competitive 1st half, the home team managed to grab a lucky goal from a dubious short corner. This didn’t dampen the spirits of the team who kept pushing for an equaliser. Haz and Ellis worked incredibly hard up front to give the defence line a point of focus and a break from what seemed to be constant attacks from the opposition.
Half time. Quick refocus. Few wise words spoken from some older heads (no names!)
With the team reenergised, the 2nd half started positively for Winch. Dom and Adam pulling strings in midfield, while debutant Will and Tom gave outlets in the wide positions.
As the match progressed, Winch continued to press for an equaliser even after some harsh decisions. JP saving his own shot on the line being a highlight and Josh making some unreal save to keep us in the hunt.
Step up Quicksilver aka Dr Goals aka Colin. Played through onto goal with a lovely weighed pass by Ellis, first touch out of his feet, put on the afterburners (much to the surprise of the opposition defender who was heard commenting on Colins pace!) to give himself a 1v1 with the keeper who made a world class save to deny the team.
Following this moment of near euphoria. The opposition went on to score 3 more goals.
Skipps got a green card (pretend to be shocked) for asking the umpire politely if he was sure about his decision. Turns out he was, and 2 minutes was spent on the side.
Not the result we wanted but a huge number of positives to lead into next week and the pending cup run!
Big thanks to the players who stepped up: Cal, Guy, Michael, JP in his final appearance and Lukey.
Congrats to Jack on his house move, missing his first and only game of the season!
Until next week, be lucky!
Skipps
“
as written by R. English
That’s all for this week of London League hockey!
