There were a lot firsts for the M3s first preseason friendly: First meet at Long Road construction site, first game for 10 out of 14 players as official members of the M3s squad, first South game for a couple of those, first South game ever with post-match pre-teas carrots (http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Carrot#Nutrition), and first South game ever where the Great British Bake Off was discussed with much enthusiasm enroute to an away game (lemon).

It was also the first time that a full South team was gathered in a changing room before a game. The unusual environment turned out to be ideal for pre-game tactics such as learning each others names and the captain’s introduction of innovative new technologies like a magnetic whiteboard to visualise the formation, allowing players to start thinking about their role and tasks during the game.

As for the game, it was the first (and last?) loss of the season:

In the first quarter of the game there was too much gap between the defensive and midfield lines with everybody finding their positions as invented and appointed by the new captain’s first game in charge. This meant being overrun several times in midfield and Saffron Walden were quickly up 2-0, to no fault of the tall* Scotsman** who had kindly offered to help out in goal.

For the second quarter, more pace was subbed into the midfield, Whittaker’s hangover was no longer as imminent, and the South players became better positioned in general and started applying pressure with more balls getting through to Rob and down the wings. After some good play down the right, and into the D, a rebound after a well executed shot was tapped in by James.

The third quarter saw even more pressure and increasingly well-structured defense from Douglas, Dave, Tom and Neil in the back. Ahmed, guest star Andy, and Will had taken control of the midfield, which allowed Neil and Ed to apply some pressure down the left, providing Rob with enough room to send off a reverse stick shot which was directed into the goal by James, 2-2. The third goal was a Moncks combo - Nathan drove the ball down the right, a bit of stick skill, and a short was awarded which Dave whacked into the goal for a 3-2 lead!

The fourth quarter saw about 100 years of hockey experience subbed off between three players. It is unclear if that was the cause of Saffron Walden’s come back, but they managed a third equaliser and their fourth winner from the edge of the D was as taken out of a science fiction movie.

All in all, it was a strong display from everyone, considering all those firsts - strongest display from MOM Ahmed who was relentless in forward pursuits as well as tracking back. The lemon voting was shown a lot discontent from the more experienced members of the squad, it takes more than Ed’s British Bake Off banter to impress those guys - something to work on for next week!

* Fun Fact 1: the M3s GK kit is made for children!
** Fun Fact 2: Shahzad’s father played Premier Division football in Scotland!