Off the back of a hard fought and close 1–0 victory against perennial rivals, City, and with Dereham having a tough time in the league, the #MWONs were feeling confident in the run-up to this match. An opposition starting with ten men and a kicking back seemed to confirm our optimism but we started slowly and despite some good movement and a few chances – shout out to hat-trick-of-misses Harry – we went into half-time with a slim one goal lead, care of Ollie Lamming.

The second half was open season on Deer-ham, with a goal coming off the push-back without the other team not getting a touch. Quick, dominant hockey was the tale of the half and Chris Pearson’s hat-trick cemented the win. A few bumps along the way included some controversial decisions; a scrappy and unfortunate goal conceded despite the best efforts of newly-returned goalie Jason; and Lemon of the Match, Chris Graveling, who decided that his best option was to dribble in circles surrounded by Dereham players and then to have a sit down once he lost possession, twenty-five yards further back than where he started.

Man of the Match went to ‘Spikey’ Mike Karran for the fifth goal; a driving run across the top of the D slotted home in the bottom left. Twentieth time’s the charm.

Another captain, a hatful of goals and a #solid win. Onward we go!