Match Report by Tom Davies
Southgate arrived at mill hill school fresh off a resounding victory against Barnes looking to make it 6 points from 6. With no dressing rooms free, Southgate warmed up well, and it was uphill from there (as it was during). Ten minutes in Southgate took the lead as Alastair ‘the artful dodger’ tapped in superbly from 2cm to ensure Alex Priors lofted effort found the backboard. Later describing the chairman in ‘robust’ language, the whole team celebrated nonetheless (albeit the sheepish Whatley neglected to raise his hand as is customary for a celebration).
As the first half went on, it was clear Southgate were dominant. But ZH held on to go into the break just 1-0 down. Five minutes later, and after an inspired team talk, Southgate were back in business and playing some glorious hockey around the stranded ZH players. Chance after chance came and went, and finally Whatley tapped in for his second – another goal for which not everyone was totally convinced it required ‘making sure.’ Still Southgate attacked, and soon the deficit was extended to 3 courtesy of another fine move finished by the experienced Doug ward.
Soon it was 4, with a great finish by whatley ending any home ZH had. This time the arm was raised and the story of the night in the clubhouse was set. A #whatleyhatrick scored from a combined distance of 20cm. What followed went from finesse to farce, as Southgate won themselves a penalty flick. The Southgate boys seemed to see this as a chore, and a reluctant and sheepish Freddie stepped up with the hope of claiming his first of the season. Yet his shot was wide, and saved regardless. In the umpires words ‘the worst penalty I’ve ever seen.’
Southgate became sloppy, but before time was up Freddie had made up for his miss by slotting one home, and skipper tom made sure of 4th place with a superb piece of individual brilliance and a first time finish. A brilliant performance all round. Let’s make it 3 in a row on Saturday 💪