Report:
What a week, Saturday morning and we were 9 players and no goal keeper. Playing Maidstone who are top of the league, things were looking bleak. However with a few phone calls from myself and as ever Mr Newton we had 12 and a keeper, Mr Watt. Who
I must say played very well in goal and we could have easily been 6 or 7 Maidstone goals down had it not been for
Pete's golden feet.
A slight formation change from last week. It was planned to be a change in defence but turned out to be a complete change over the entire field. Nkoni moving from centre back to right defence and moving an injured Alex Newton to his position at the back. This meant moving Addrienne the work horse / Steam engine, to right
midfield. A half injured Steve Lipscombe and half injured Andy Skipper up front with myself, trusty Martin Haistings, Andy Long, and a well wanted return from Pete Slater.
Paddy again having a fantastic game in defence, solid, reliable and working really hard, as much to his annoyance.
The game started and we were very much aware that we were a 2's side that had some set backs, but we just had to remain positive and keep our heads up and work hard as a team. We did this.
James Grey again proving his team spirit and command in between defence and midfield.
We had a number of short corners, that did not quite work, not sure exactly but may have something to do with the captain pushing the ball out too hard apparently. One of
life's great mysteries.
Maidstone have a 22 Goal Difference and passed the ball around and were clearly a good side but we also are a good side and can certainly challenge these top teams. We found our form in the 2nd half having changed the formation slightly and grabbing a goal back with a great run from Andy Long and a absolutely marvellous and solid, powerful and very attractive finish from Mr Faint. I wonder if any scouts from Hockey England were there?
Anyway, as a team we worked, again, exceptionally hard and and causing a lot of trouble for these good sides. All in all the whole team played with great spirit and a positive attitude again.
Man of the match going to Martin Hastings for his consistent hard work in midfield. Gillingham next week.
Bring it on! |