First week back of hockey and the chat this week is of lack of fitness and rustiness. It was somewhat of a surprise then to hear that some of the team had agreed to double up and have a run around for the 4s in the match directly before ours. Johnny was delighted to see Joe turn out for the 4s though he was less happy to see him score. It would get much worse for Johnny later in the day.

We started the match with a squad of 13 though Neil was unable to wear shin pads owing to a bicycle incident earlier in the week. For this reason he was playing out of position, avoiding too much defensive work.

With many of the team playing in unfamiliar positions it was often the case we were asking each other, “Where are you playing?” With that in mind we had a strong first half and created some good chances only to be thwarted by the excellent goalkeeper. Pete made some mazy dribbles looking for any space he could. Dan’s toe was on the receiving end of a wild stick and he was effectively taken out of the game. More reshuffling needed and I was rushed on to play in central midfield. I’m not sure who was more confused, me or the rest of my teammates. George Anderson moved back into the midfield and pulled the strings for much of the game with Johnny ably assisting.

Second half we defended well and kept the fast breaking opposition at bay, George Toynton having an excellent game and keeping a clean sheet (yes, you read that right!) Our first goal came courtesy of a short corner. Who says you need fancy set plays? Send it out to George A and let him smash it in the goal. One-nil.

Our second goal arrived shortly after when a lifted shot from Johnny was tipped on to the crossbar from the keeper. Joe snuck in to tap in the rebound much to Johnny’s dismay. Hopefully their rivalry will lead to plenty of goals between them this season. 

I was having my own little battle with their keeper. Despite having broken clear on multiple occasions in the game the keeper was able to protect his goal and make some excellent saves. In the final minute I pounced on a loose ball and reverse-swept it into the backboard. Joy and relief were quickly taken away from me when the umpire at the other end decided he had seen a stick tackle and disallowed my effort. To make matters worse, my teammates decided that this would be enough to award me LOM for the day. Thanks, guys! Never mind Josh taking a dive and losing his shoe, Matt falling over receiving the first pass of the game, and finally Joe’s roly-poly goal celebration! 

If you ask Joe for his version of his goal and celebration it sounds much more exciting but don’t you believe a word of it. 

Plenty of positives to take away from the game and some work to do to be ready for the start of the league.