1st XI MARCH BACK TO LEE VALLEY

With the snow causing havoc through the second half of the season, the boys have had numerous ‘double header’ weekends to contend with and once again they secured a A double W as League and Cup victories were secured vs Tulse Hill and Oxford.

This was always going to be a tough one, every semi final is a lottery and Oxford were a well drilled and exciting opposition to take on. The game was much like a game of chess with both sides having their opportunities to attack and a brace of corners each to show for the first half. Both Goal keepers looked in no mood to give up their goal and both made important saves in the opening period. Tom Archer going closest for BEHC as he rattled the post with an audacious reverse stick strike. 0-0 at the half.

On the back of league games and plenty of travel, both teams were going to tire but as the game wore on, BEHC started to take control. Another brace of corners were unfortunate to not bring the opening goal as first the Oxford post man top edged over the bar for ‘6’ and then the post came to the rescue again from a Chris Harden drag.

All the while it was 0-0 Oxford looked dangerous and a smart save from James Craigmyle would keep BEHC on top. BEHC began to dominate the ball and with 6 minutes to go, found their way, Archer took a quick free hit, found Dave Lawrence who beat 2 and slipped in Josh Self on the right hand side, his reverse ball into the centre was an inviting one and Chris Harden was on hand to finish into the bottom corner. 1-0.....

The BEHC boys just had to look after the ball and the magnificent Lewis Burnham was putting in a proper shift in midfield. Burnham won the ball back, played in Harden, the Skipper drove across the top of the D and unleashed a rocket of a reverse banger ‘top bins’ to put the game to bed. 2-0 Lee Valley here we come.

The boys will have to work hard in the break between now and 7th of May. A league game v Guildford will help next week and then it’s on to LVHTC. Full credit to Oxford who were impressive and unfortunate to be on the losing side.

7th May vs East London HC, 12pm, Lee Valley

See you there!!!