10 MAN BLACKHEATH BATTLE BACK TO DRAW

The first half was scrappy with neither side playing particularly attractive hockey and Blackheath unable to find their rhythm. The boys were certainly putting the pressure on with Lewis Burnham regularly winning the ball back in the midfield and some neat link up play keeping the opposition Goalkeeper busy. Having said this, Trojans looked dangerous on the counter and shortie #1 was neatly put away beyond James Craigmyle’s reach into the bottom corner. This brought about a quick response from the home side who worked their own intricate short between Chris Harden and Dave Lawrence to level at 1-1. The game changing moment was still to come as a poor tackle from a Trojans players riled Ethan Faulds whose stick (accidentally) made contact with the opposition player. It was an unfortunate red card for the young Australian who will have to learn how to respond to such break up play when next available.

Coming out for the second half, a resolute performance was always going to be necessary if the 1st XI were going to get anything from the game. Once the Trojans were back to 11, the task became even more difficult but this only seemed to get the best out of Blackheath. Dominating possession and creating more and more chances, Chris Harden denied with goal line clearances on numerous occasions, it looked as if the impossible may still happen. Alas, short corner #2 for the Trojans and a cleared flick resulting in a goal-mouth scrap made it 2-1 Trojans.

The boy’s spirit came through as the pre-season fitness sessions really paid off eventually led to a second for Chris. The final 10 minutes were dominated by Blackheath but they just could not beat the GK for a third time. There were plenty of lessons to take from the day but if they can play like they did in the second half and keep 11 on the pitch then they are sure to have a good season.

Goals: Chris Harden (x2)
MOM: Charlie Speller
DOD: Tom Harden