Bury St Edmunds O55s 2 – Southgate O55s 2
(Southgate won 9-7 on flicks) (Cup)
Match report by Ben Turner
Sunday offered a much-needed shift in focus, as the O55s embarked on the next round of our National Cup adventure. Originally set to travel with a squad of 15, injuries left just 11 players to make the journey to Bury St Edmunds, joined by loyal (yet scrupulously impartial) umpiring stalwart Floydie. Our opposition boasted a formidable lineup of East 55s and 60s players, and with no bench to turn to Captain Greg’s pre-match instructions were straightforward: “We need to win the game in the first 20 minutes, so let’s give ’em hell.”
Simple folk respond best to simple instructions and Southgate surged forward from the off, playing with energy and precision. A flowing move down the left saw Mel pivot through Ben at the top of the D to find Will S (guest player) on the right, who rifled a shot across the keeper and into the far corner. Shortly after, a rare penalty corner success extended the lead, with Greg’s strike arcing perfectly over the keeper’s pad and thudding into the backboard. 2-0 up at half-time, tails up, we were brimming with confidence.
Despite the lack of a bench to draw on, we continued to play with energy and dominate into the second half and Bury St Edmunds’ keeper kept his team in contention with a string of excellent saves. But as fatigue crept in, we began to falter. Wolffie, nursing an injury, moved up front to occupy defenders and still fashioned excellent chances that were desperately smothered by their keeper. However, the momentum shifted late in the game. Bury St Edmunds clawed back two goals – a scrappy goal from open play (not a Mel own goal, but only because there are no own goals in hockey) and another from a penalty corner (not a Biff own goal, but only because there are no own goals in hockey) – forcing the game into a penalty shootout.
Captain Greg set the tone by winning the toss and opting for Southgate to shoot first. The first round of flicks were tied at 4-4, so we went to a second barrage of five. In the second round, Cliff pulled off a crucial save, while his teammates coolly converted all their flicks to secure the victory.
With the win, Southgate O55s advance to the National Cup Quarter-Finals – huge testament to the squad’s resilience and team spirit.
And it’s worth calling out Bury St Edmunds’ fabulous hosting, with a tough match played in great spirit, followed by lots of chat over lovely teas at a quintessential country pub. A fine day out in Suffolk!