BOE BEAT BRIGHTON TO STAY TOP

We played poorly for the most part. They played well. They were 3 goals to 1 up with 20 mins to go. We found something extra. We won 4-3.....

The facts are simple, the score line vital but the way the game panned out makes this an even more impressive victory. With Brighton not having a national league game they were perfectly entitled to bring their fringe 1st XI players and they did just that. The game started in a rather fractious manner with both sides having strong attacks but it was BOE who looked to be on the front foot as they forced a couple of penalty corners. The normally deadly Michael Lawrence was kept at bay by the impressive Brighton keeper, all 7 foot 11 inches of him. Slightly against the run of play Brighton won a free hit in the 23 and drove strong at the D, the direct line to goal was not covered and after a couple of deflections a Brighton forward slid in at the far post to put the visitors 1-0 to the good.

BOE needed an immediate response and they duly obliged. With just moments left of the 1st half the home side won a penalty corner, a Michael Lawrence drag was well saved but up into the air, dangerous ball, 16.......what the? The umps chatted and the right decision was made and the corner re awarded. As always with these things it worked to our advantage, Jonny Bond sliding in superbly with the deflection to make it 1-1. Half time and a very close contest. The back 4 of Foster, Hughes, Archer and Pearson looked in fine form with the rest of the team feeding off their ball pace. If BOE were to mix it strongly in the 2nd dig, the midfield and attack would need to step up.

The second half started well but it was still very 50/50 and a Brighton penalty corner resulted in a 2nd goal, much to the disappointment of Big Alex Dunman in nets. This was made worse by a 3rd Brighton goal soon after from another PC and things were heading south, 20 mins to go. Something special was needed. An almighty dose of self belief and a fight back. Enter Head Junior Coach & midfield maestro, Jonny Bond, He linked nicely with Luke Kellaher, Ryan Wallace and the returning legend Sam Djavit before driving on forward with a mazy run and slipping in Fergus Parker at the far post for a beautifully worked 2nd, 3-2 and game on.

So often is the case that commeth the hour, commeth Michael Lawrence. He rarely disappoints and with 8 minutes to go the boy stepped up to the plate. Good work from Fergus Parker, David Lawrence and Lewis Tuttsel resulted in a BOE PC and after Tom Archer perfect stop, Michael Lawrence dragged to the keepers right, just inside the post (See vid 1) and we were level. Was there time for one more, please, please!!! Hockey Gods shine on us!

Richard Booth, Ryan Wallace, Sam Djavit and Jonny Bond were working tirelessly to keep the ball and as it was recycled to the defence, Tom Archer slung an aerial forward. Young David Lawrence controlled it expertly on the left wing......then it happened. He ceremoniously left 2 Brighton defenders looking at each other with their shorts round their ankles as he 'skilled' the pair up, then for good measure beat 2 more at the top of the D before embarrasing the keeper, surely a goal, he's round him........WIPE OUT!!!!!!! STROKE, over to you Brother Michael.

Michael Lawrence steps up (Vid 2) and slots the stroke for the lads.......Phew.....Top secured & 9 points clear of 3rd, happy days!

Excellent team performance and selfless from some who spent 'team time' on the bench. A real hum dinger of a game and a fantastic statement to the league. The Crawley AWAY fixture on Saturday looks to be a cracker and the boys will be bang up for it.