VITAL POINT FOR VALIANT ONES

Despite arriving in the dreary rain and cold at the impressive new development at Folkestone HC the BOE 1st XI team held a quiet confidence having improved dramatically over the last number of games. With a victory in the opposite fixture earlier in the season and a strong squad of 13 the boys felt that continuing the free-flowing hockey of recent weeks into the game would result in an important 3 points.

BOE pushed back on a slick, wet pitch and immediately continued where they had left off. Stringing together a number of dangerous moves, the boys looked in full control of the game from the off. Dominating possession it certainly seemed just a matter of time before the Folkestone net was rippled. Unfortunately - such is hockey and such has often been the way for the 1s this season - a break against the run of play saw a Folkestone forward pick the ball up unmarked top D. The forward skillfully evaded the on rushing BOE keeper Nathan Bullens and finished the chance to make the score 1-0 to Folkestone. A justifiably frustrated BOE responded to the goal with more excellent fluid play and following continued pressure and a string of impressive passes Michael Lawrence put away the equaliser expertly. 1-1. As the first half progressed the wind and rain continued to lash both teams as each side shared scoring chances and shaky defending. Following a defensive foot in the BOE D it was Folkestone who would break the deadlock to pick up the third goal of the game with a well worked short-corner move that saw the injector slip the ball in to the dismay of the Blackheath boys. 2-1 down. In an excellent response, an injection of electric pace by Rob Noble down the right wing saw the player end up, to his own surprise, one-on-one with the keeper at a tight angle. With the oppo defenders marking the BOE forwards, Noble slipped the ball impressively past the keeper at an acute angle to make the score 2-2 going into half time.

The half time talk revealed continued confidence from the boys and Head Coach Sam Djavit asked for more of the same.

Now attacking with the wind and rain, the BOE boys began the second half strongly and had many early chances including balls flashed across the opposition goal line. Again, however, it was Folkestone who struck first and having won a short corner and converting. The gritty opposition opted to distance themselves from finesse by bundling the ball into the net in a goal line scramble. 3-2 to Folkestone. Very disappointing. However, the BOE boys showed great character and determination. They used the opposition’s goal to motivate them as they fought hard for possession in the middle of the pitch. Demonstrating a great desire the boys were winning every 50/50 tackle and piled on the pressure as the final 20 minutes saw wave after wave of BOE attack – surely the boys were odds on to even up the game or perhaps even nick it. Finally, following another scrappy short-corner Sam Djavit capitalised on a loose ball and coolly finished. 3-3. Chances continued to come the way of BOE to win it but unfortunately they could not exploit their domination before the final whistle was blown.

While the team was hugely disappointed to not pick up the full 3 points following a strong, dominating performance it was not to be and a point away is not always the easiest task. Many positives to build on in the week following another encouraging and energetic performance by the ever-improving 1st XI. The team continues to distribute the ball well from the back, show resilience and composure in midfield and pose an aggressive threat in attack. Surely all of the hockey world’s eyes will be on next Saturday’s home encounter against Canterbury Pilgrims where a victory is vital and deserved.