FLAT TYRE, TOP PERFORMANCE

When it has taken most of the week to get 12 names on the team sheet, the last thing you want or need is for it to be 25 minutes before PB, at Ashford, only for four of your lads to be marooned on the a20 after a flat tyre. Thankfully there were more injuries than completed passes in the Ashford club match on the pitch before us and we we're held back 30 minutes. That allowed the skipper to go and grab 3 of the stranded 4 and we were up to XI!!

Ashford is a hard place to go at the best of times but with just 11 and in 23 degrees, wow this would be tough. The game, was a very good one with both sides playing a very patient and disciplined style of hockey. Ashford took the lead only to be pegged back by the move of the game form BOE. Starting with Shephard and Dow at CB the ball made its way to Page at right half, into Lamplough at right wing, back into Slack at inside forward and the sharp midfielder played a 1/2 off Oscar Barwick and then located Thorogood in the D who slotted the ball low into the net.

Ashford would hammer in a short corner to be 2-1 up at half time, but BOE would come roaring back after half time. A far more disciplined defensive performance in the 2nd half allowed BOE to get hold of the ball and, as Ashford looked to attack BOE would pick them off and break at will. Tight in defence and free flowing in attack, BOE were a handful in the Kentish sun. Another sharp break, the ball flowed through the midfield, found the marauding Dow on the charge from CB and the result was a cynical foul in the D to see Shephard convert the resulting stroke.

There was time for one more and, as BOE gained more control of the game, Tawanna found Barwick who had 2 shots saved and as the ball ran free, Thorogood slotted it home for 3-2 and a win.

Old Bordenians next Saturday for the 2's and a great deal of promise for the season ahead.

MOTM - Andy Slack

Too good - The spacious Up!, Sheps P-Flick, Josh in midfield and of course that 'team goal'
Too bad - Iain's tyre, Sep on the post, Alex debut green card, Bertie's pass and of course Slacky practically murdering their left half.