1XI Find Their Grit and Determination

A turbulent week at the club saw Will Nurse depart as Head Coach with Chris Harden taking a captain/coach role and Director of Hockey, Edd Thorogood, becoming team manager. After two intense training sessions, it is clear the boys are aware of the gravity of the situation and, most importantly, are willing to put in the yards to turn it around.

An instant response was obvious as Blackheath played the game at a far greater intensity than has become the norm and were solid in possession for the vast majority of the first half. Controlled distribution from both centre backs allowed the team to camp in the opposition half and create numerous opportunities. Purley struggled to get any time on the ball and would have been relieved to go in at 0-0.

There was a clear feeling that it was only a matter of time and within minutes of the second half beginning a Chris Harden drag flick rippled against the back of the net. This was quickly followed by an early candidate for goal of the century as some neat play around the back drew Purley in creating space for a Ben Wyatt run from left back. Ed Fleet found his reverse stick with a 40-yard aerial. Wyatt’s first touch eliminated the Purley Right back before two neat one-twos left him through on goal with the keeper. A bottom corner flick left the Purley keeper feeling helpless as the team greeted the goal scorer with a combination of shock, awe and admiration. 2-0. If the full time whistle had gone at this point, it would have been a fantastic beginning to a ‘new era’ for this side.

Unfortunately, there was still another 20 minutes to play. Purley went on the attack and whilst still struggling to get a hold in the game were able to win their first short corner of the day. A bottom corner flick made it 2-1 out of nowhere. With five minutes to go this became 2-2 as a neat far post deflection gave Nathan Bullens no opportunity to save the 3 points.

A much improved performance with an ultimately disappointing result leaves plenty of positives to build on but less time to do so.

MoM: Ben Wyatt

DoD: Joe Allen

Next Match: Trojans (A)