Match Report : Joergen Jaehnig

Result : WIN 2-0 vs Norwich U18 Boys

The sun was shining over Trent Park and Norwich HC was the opposition for the EH National Plate Tier 1 Quarterfinal. Having drawn a home game, the loyal crowds on the balcony were in for another win of the U18 Boys, however it was meant to be a tricky affair. The visitors started off by ignoring Southgate etiquette, having won the toss they chose to swap sides …. very rude ….

From the Push Back then the match proved to be evenly contested with both teams trying to press and force turnovers. Eventually though the boys in red started to gain the upper hand and attack after attack was rolling towards the Norwich goal. One of those breaks saw a beautiful combination of passes between the midfield and forward line setting up Daman Bansal inside the circle. The oppo Goalie decided to speculate and “eagle eye” Daman spotted the gap on the near post hammering the ball into the goal. The deadlock was broken and deservedly so. With both teams continuing to press and attack it was the home side which created more circle entries and chances on the follow. Whist the Norwich keeper still managed to brilliantly save a powerful Penalty corner drag flick from Lucas Jaehnig, he was without a chance a few minutes later when Giles Woodland’s drag flick crashed against the backboard at what felt like 100mph – well maybe slightly less.

Time to give the crowds a deserved breather, some water on the pitch and halftime speeches. Coming out of the changing rooms, the idea was to finish off the game early. And the boys made every effort ….. Vivek Dongha’s top D shot hit the cross bar and minutes after a nearly identical scene to the first goal saw Daman again aiming for the near post gap, however this time the ball crashed against the post head high. Norwich never gave up resulting in a crowd pleaser match – maybe less so for the coach who much prefers 1-sided affairs. Lucas Jaehnig cleared a Penalty corner off the line and moments later Aman Chhaya brilliantly cleared twice against a Norwich striker ready to pop the ball into an open goal. Eventually though the Southgate U18 boys started controlling the match again resulting in a clean sheet and a well deserved 2-0 win.

We are now through to the National Tier 1 Semifinals and we are hungry for more …. #RoadtoLeeValley.

Special thanks to Mr. “TeamTV” Alistair Whatley for the ongoing support – it makes a huge difference.

Goals: Daman Bansal, Giles Woodland (PC)

(Joint) MoM: Lucas Jaehnig & Sam Marshall