With two good, high scoring wins behind us (6-0 and 7-5), we went into this late (5.30pb) game with a mix of confidence and slight reserve – we knew it’d be harder. The score does slightly flatter the oppo but they were 3 or 4 goals better than us, no question. They were two up inside 8minutes with good finishing and a high press. Turnovers combined with pace is a tricky thing to fight. Whilst we were playing halves (obvs) it is interesting to analyse at the game in quarters.
Comibine Q1 and Q5 they won 5-0, combining Q2 & Q3 is was 1-1. The effort couldn’t be faulted. Their third came from a PC just before the break and a 3-0 down and half time we really felt that if we got the next goal we were in this. Alas they got a fourth but from here we gew again. A cross smashed in by Hargrove was left by Dhana junior (Akash) and the finished with a lifted shot by Dhana senior (Sohan). At 4-1 we pressed and could sense a little deflation in the oppo. It stayed 4-1 until about 10 to go when they had two good finishes. Ultimately it is a game that will serve us well and raise our level.
Well played by H&W Colts. Incidentally they had 3 father and son combinations and this team of theirs has a good pedigree – two players from 3 years ago now playing prem hockey for their 1s – so no disgrace.
Luke Ellis had a good game in goal despite the scoreline and could not be faulted on the goals. Will Hargrove had a steady game in front of the back four. James Lockheart was industrious up front and a constant irritant to their back four. James Rushton got the skippers vote for MOM, another good game, scoreline would have been worse without him.
Akash Dhana playing his first game for us was good on the ball, remained positive and made a good impression. Oliver Nash stepped into the middle of defence alongside Rushton and had a good game, ball pace really growing, encouraging. Rafi Rosenfield was just pipped to the MOM and had a great game, covering “Whatley-like” distances up and down the right flank. Arun Sharma-Saul caused the oppo trouble up front and made good leads as well as come to the passes well.
Alex Prior had another great game and gave them many problems, great going forward but as much as that it weas his work in getting back that really helped, a strong game. Will Roughton moved onto midfield and did very well, always involved and committed. He also had a superb shot at goal saved in amazing style by their keeper.
Sohan Dhana was a worthy MOM, a real menace alongside Alex Prior, his already good first touch becoming even better, the goal was well taken and capped another great shift. Stephen Gwynn-Jones was playing his first game of the year and our Aussie did well. Good distribution and defence of what was a busy side of the pitch. As I said after the game the effort was exemplary.
Not many 6-1 scorelines are anything like this competitive, heads held high, we go again next week!
