After last week's 4-0 defeat, something drastic was required and something drastic was duly done. Turning up fully eighty minutes before push-back is unheard of in this reporter's time at the club, but even Muzza was present and correct at 10.30 for Cheggers's pre-match tactics and coaching session.

Yes, you'd better believe it – there were chairs and even a white board and for over half an hour the nuances of the new hockey formation were espoused to the hockey faithful. Changing to a 4-1-2-1-2 formation (or 'the diamond' as it's better known), Cheggers was confident that goals would be easier to come by whilst also providing more cover for the defence.

As push-back approached, many of the opposition were still missing and so the start of the game was delayed by fifteen minutes. As more of their players trickled in the general feeling was that these young whippersnappers (for their average age appeared to be about half ours…) should be shown… er… the tougher side of hockey, shall we say. This was particularly taken to heart by Wallace, who was lucky to stay on the pitch near the end of the game after another spectacular rugby tackle, sorry, I mean graceful and precise snatching of the ball that coincidentally happened to leave a couple of the opposition laid out on the floor.

When the game did get under way, Long Sutton were still without a couple of players and South took advantage in the most dramatic fashion by scoring within thirteen seconds of the pushback. Surely the fastest goal in South history? Snetler to Thorogood, a quick pass to Baker who drifts into the Long Sutton half. The pass to Forrest is flicked into the path of Snetler who advances into the D and sweeps the ball past the oncoming keeper. A new formation that's already paying dividends!

The pre-match tactics, and change in formation, were proven to be an excellent decision as South played the first half with focus, determination, control and an excellent work rate. South passed frequently across the back four to spread the play and were rarely unable to get the ball out from sixteen yard hits. Thorogood provided much-needed protection in front of the defence and was a useful outlet to the midfield. The freedom this afforded Cheggers, playing just behind the front two, caused constant problems for the Long Sutton defence, who struggled all game to cope with the pace of Forrest and Snetler up front. The second goal came after good work from Cheggers in the D, and his goal-ward push was converted by Muzza, who'd ghosted in at the far-post.

South continued to fashion clear-cut chances throughout the half as full-backs Webb and 'Psycho' Benedikz provided outlets up to the midfield and wings. Snetler was unlucky not to add to his tally when through on goal but the Sutton keeper was out quickly to make the save. The tenacious and hard-working Finn almost found the back of the net after a long corner was turned across the D by Forrest but the ball was just in front of his reaching stick. The third goal did arrive in the end, when an advancing Thorpey found Forrest on the half way line who ran goal-ward, rounded the keeper and slotted home.

In the second half South were reinforced by the insertion of Morgan the Organ at right back, which pushed Webb up to right mid. With a 3-0 lead the home side were content to sit back and absorb the Long Sutton pressure, and despite a succession of short corners the away team never looked like scoring. Graveling and Thorpe were superb at the back, organising and orchestrating the marking. Keeper Jon Price did good work and stopped a number of hurried Sutton shots.

But this was a first rate defensive display from the whole team and Tristen and Webb in the middle of the park were tirelessly tackling and tracking back – even Cheggers was seen back in the home 22! Snetler scampered about on the half way line and forced the visitors to hurry all their passes. Defending from the front always makes things easier. South were able to create a few chances as Long Sutton left gaps at the back, the best one coming from a right wing Forrest cross to Tristen that was dealt with by a last-minute tackle from a Sutton defender, but a fourth goal didn't look likely.

In the end, an excellent team performance from South – if we can continue to play like that this league will pose little difficulty for us.