Southgate 4As Vs Luton 2s

East 4SW

HT 1-0

FT  3-1

Cards: NO yellow or red

Southgate Goals:

3 Connor Wright

MOM:  Connor Wright

with notable mentions for = Jai Martins, Harun Sohoye & Fergus Comrie

So the sun came out and as far as the sand pitch was concerned (if a pitch can be concerned) we were the main event. A real pity then that seemingly most of the team were unacquainted with their hockey sticks for the first 5 minutes – shambolic passing and first touches everywhere. Let’s just say that stringing a few passes together was a challenge. But then things started to gel a little. A lovely move that started on the left and ended on the right and brought us a short corner. A splendid injection, precise stop and solid drag from Connor saw the keeper not get enough of the ball, side netting ruffled! 1-0. Real Captain “Hud-dog” had to depart at the half. The second half started more solidly, the passing better and the movement too. About 10 minutes in Connor, yes him again, joined the attack from the back and got into the right side of the D, from here he unleashed a great strike, 2-0. More fluidity joined our game as we pushed for a decisive third goal. Another short was won and a repeat of the first goal occurred – hat-trick time for Conor. There was about 12-15minutes left – most of this we saw out well, but Luton were not giving up and forced a goal with about 6 minutes to go. The game though was won. Thank you to Neil Prior and Tony Shiret for their astute umpiring of a well contested game.

Harun Sohoye had a very good game in goal his first for the men’s section – congrats, welcome and thank you. Connor Wright Playing his second game was a threat at shorts (obviously) and used his aerials well. James Rushton was solid and steady at the back, a good game with several crucial interventions. On the flanks Sajiv Saha was always surging forward and not giving an inch in defence whilst captain Jon Huddlestone had a cameo first half that let us know he is a steady as ever – a good “steady”. Will Hargrove was steady enough in the middle. Jai Martins on the right of midfield was industrious, mature (beyond his years again)adding fluidity, impressive again. Fergus Comrie operated very well on the left of midfield making good runs and really caused them issues. Richard Martins led the line well as he did last week. We feel he may just be saving goals for when they matter more!  Raj Saha was Mr utility again – this week mostly at left back, keeping great width and distributing well. Nayan Bhundia and Chris Ray on the forward flanks did well, offering a threat and a release as well as tracking back to support. We were delighted to be supported by Simon Holmes upfront who like Raj at the back kept great width and was a real release. Dhillon Shukla was great to have in midfield adding much needed composure!

On to next week!