Derby Day - both teams assembled at Long Road for the primetime 10:30am push-back following an intense week of build-up. Once again, the hype surrounding this fixture drew attention to the one single time the 5s beat the 4s, a game so far in the distant past it pre-dates the birth of 4s newcomer Kieran Birch.

The opening half was well fought, our midfield and defence controlling possession and containing play to the opponents half. However, as is becoming a theme this season, our forwards failed to convert a multitude of chances, ultimately resulting in a Lemon award. Throw in a MoM-worthy performance from Jo Dant in the opposite goal - including a great save to deny Tom Grove a departing goal before leaving for Uni - and the teams went in goal-less at the break.

After a quick team talk from stand-in captain Matt Kern, we went into the second half with revised focus on composure and selflessness in front of goal. Generate 2-on-1s, and walk it into the net. 

That advice was key to breaking the deadlock, with the 4s scoring three quick, self-less goals in the second half. The first was a ball from Kieran passed square across goal for Jamie to slot behind the keeper at the back post. Simple hockey. Kieran then earned a near identical second assist to find Andy for a deflection. For the third, a through-ball found two of our forwards past the 5s defensive line, with Jordan selflessly laying off for Kieran to get a goal of his own. For the final goal, Jamie instinctively deflected a ball from the sideline towards the P-spot on a counterattack, for our on-running forwards to slot away.

Overall a solid performance from the 4s, who are much enjoying a return to Division 4NW.

Other assorted highlights/lowlights:
2 games into the season, and already surpassing our win tally from the last campaign.
Kieran’s goal and 2 assists once again proving the best strategy for the intra-club derby is to recruit the other team’s best players. Sorry, you can’t have him back.
Debut and clean sheet for new wing-back Tom H.
The 5s skipping a warm-up to debate what size of animal would be capable of writing-off Matt Withington’s car.
Marauding right-back Pash’s first sniff of a goal since October 2020, only to whiff the chance with a golf swing at the back post.
Goal celebrations. Talk less.