It’s been a few years since I have written one of these match reports, but apparently coming with the Lemon of the match award is the opportunity to write one. Lucky me.
So we all arrived in good time at the Arthur Mellows School in Glinton for our bout against Bourne Deeping who have some pretty dapper kit, complete with dragons. It was a chilly, grey overcast afternoon with a keen north wind but we had a decent warm up and we were well up for a tough game against a 1st team sitting just above us in the table.
Things didn’t get off to the best starts, a fast turnover by BD down our left wing resulted in a short corner, which was converted after a goal line clearance. As it was so early in the game this didn’t cause too much concern and actually made sure we got our act together. It was a fairly fast match and both teams had decent attacks. Midway through the first half we won a short corner after a ball was fired in at speed. This was also converted expertly by Alex Anthony to level the score at 1-1. The game remained close up until half time and the scoreline was a fair one for both teams.
The second half was a little different. BD were piling the pressure on from the whistle and continued to do so throughout the 35 mins. The waves of attack were relentless and exhausting. Although we were also creating the odd break away and chance ourselves the dominating team were the home side. Through wave after wave eventually BD got themselves a golden opportunity to go in front with a penalty flick for what I think was an obstruction a yard or so from the goal line. The umpires had an excellent game but this decision was arguably a little soft from a South point of view.
Stanley Hanson, our goalie, managed to get his blocker to the shot but couldn’t stop it, making it 2-1 to BD.
What followed was more of the same from the home team, but there was an issue. Stanley proceeded to show everyone a demonstration in top class keeping. He made a hat-trick (at least) of ridiculous saves leaving their attackers very frustrated. They continued to pile on the pressure but it was one of those ‘you shall not pass’ kind of moments.
With five minutes to go South started getting a few more chances and the cool headed Ed Creedy slotted the ball home to level the score. This gave us a boost and we started to press for a winner but BD also kept pushing for the three points also.
Sadly, time was up, which was a shame as it was a fantastic game of hockey.
Stanley was the obvious winner of the Man of the Match, he would have even received votes from the umpires and some of the opposition if we would have asked them.
I got lemon of the match for dressing as a lemon (all in yellow including stick and boots) and an aerial that went off the pitch, not showering, not feeling very well after all that running about, and going bald (lol). Thanks for the call up anyway, very nice to be back on the pitch!