SOUR NOTES ON THE SOUTH COAST

Arriving to significantly better weather than last week and a quality playing surface, the team was confident in securing their first victory of the season after two disappointing results.

However, the long journey had led to some heavy legs and the youthful Trojan outfit pressed high and aggressively from the start to prevent Blackheath gaining any momentum. Despite this, the quality that Blackheath can demonstrate saw a 1v1 and a deflected effort saved superbly by the opposition GK.

As the game started to open, Trojans dealt two quick blows as they twice gained possession around halfway and hit the backboard with quick counter attacks. Blackheath pushed onwards but couldn’t find a path through a well drilled Trojan defence. 2-0 at halftime.

The second half started in a similar manner to the first with Blackheath struggling to build from the back under the high and energetic Trojan press. Despite some excellent defending from Eddy Forshaw, the Trojans took a third, as they passed the ball patiently around our D before putting the ball into the net.

Blackheath had to play aggressively now, and some strong running from Laxman and James Morrison saw space open down the flanks. Chris Harden managed to take the ball around the keeper but was left with the tightest of angles and hit the side netting.

Blackheath had the majority of possession and momentum with 15mins to play and despite plenty of D penetration, couldn’t find a foot or the net. After another move down the left flank, Tom Archer slipped the ball to David Lawrence who took a tidy touch and fired the ball low past the helpless Trojan keeper, giving Blackheath some hope.

With the boys pushing hard to turn their momentum into goals, the team took risks. James Craigmyle made an excellent save from a Trojan penalty corner whilst Charlie Sid Speller took a blow to his head in yet another tireless performance, but a third unforced turnover led to another 2v1 on the Blackheath goal which Trojans took to end any hope of a Blackheath comeback.

More disappointment for the boys, despite some strong periods of dominance against a strong, disciplined opposition.

The team remain united, and return to the Meadow next weekend determined to get that W.

MOM – James Morrison
DOD – James Craigmyle