HT 2-2
FT 4-4
Match Report by Will Hargrove

We went away to West Herts optimistic of a good result. We ha lost 3-5 at home earlier in the season and this proved another 8 goal thriller. A good surface and very good umpiring made this a great game to play in, if frustrating to not win. We dominated the first 5 mins but then went into a bit of a lull. They won a PC and converted with a good flick. Five minutes later some good play led the Kyle Shah tucking the ball under the keeper on his reverse. 1-1 and lots to play for. They won another PC and the same player drilled a shot home down the same channel. Then with 10 to the half time whistle, Hargrove drilled a ball in, Richardson deflected and captain Os Bate tucked it away. 2-2 at the break was a fair reflection. Their keeper had been on form especially again Gavin Kay.

In the second half they started with an opportunist goal as a foot in our circle was played on and despite Hargrove trying to clear it away they retained the ball and scored. At 3-2 down and 25 to go we needed to push. We did. The resulting PC was a zig-zag with Hargrove scoring. Five minutes later another corner saw an ensuing melee and Gavin Kay scored. 3-4 up with 10 to go. Alas, with 5 left they broke down the left and managed to cross for a well taken knee high tap in! We really strove for the winner but it wasn’t to be. A good spirited and well umpired game ended 4-4.

Jon Dann couldn’t be blamed for the goals and gave good comms. Ethan Mehendran was close to MOM and was a threat from left back (not easy to do!). James Rushton yet again tackled well. Will Hargrove alongside Rushton was in decent form when keeping it simple. Joe Spencer had a good game in some space at right wing back. Zac Mistry was a threat and glook good going forward. Fergus Comrie caused the oppo trouble from left mid. Gavin Kay was a classy and energetic pivot in the middle and aclear MOM. Luke Mather showed composure beyond his years and got in space on the right, father Mark Mather was his composed self. Simon (Os) Bate pushed himself forward and did well, mixing hard hit crosses with guile. Kyle Shah always looked to get in on goal and took his chance well. Dave Richardson moved the defence around and got to the left by-line a lot, a good contribution. Rich Martins (injury concern) didn’t make it onto the pitch but helped with comms and wise words at the break. This is going down to the wire!

Southgate goals
15mins K.Shah reverse tuck away
25mins Os.Bate under keeper
50mins W.Hargrove PC (zig zag)
55mins G.Kay post PC melee

Score order (home side first – obvs)
1-0
1-1
2-1
2-2
–
3-2
3-3
3-4
4-4

MVP
Gavin Kay 5 votes
Ethan Mehendran 3 votes
James R & Kyle Shah 1 vote each