LAST-GASP DRAMA SEES 2nd XI STEAL ALL 3 POINTS

With confidence still high from their drubbing of Holcombe in the previous match, a much-changed 2s side travelled to Kent University with high expectations, but soon found themselves drawn into a dogged affair. The addition of Tom Mayfield from the 1st XI and a call up for Derwyn 'Ledley King' Baillie, gave the side a much-needed boost, in what was a typically bleak half term selection saga.

The game began reasonably well for BOE, with the pace of Mayfield and evergreen forward Richard Archibald troubling the Kent defence. Youngster Bertie Page found himself in space inside the opposition half on a number of occasions in the opening stages, and Chris Fowler and Andrew Slack were afforded plenty of time on the ball. After a couple of half chances had come and gone, the deadlock was finally- and deservedly- broken by Mayfield after 15 minutes had been played. Centre-back Irvine Turner received the ball deep inside the Kent half, and with pin-point accuracy, drove the ball into the D for Mayfield to coolly deflect into the top corner. This should have served as a catalyst for Blackheath to take charge of the game, but as it would transpire, it had a somewhat opposite effect.

Kent began to pass the ball confidently upfront, and with some skilful players venturing forward from midfield, BOE were forced further into their own half. Nathan Bullens was typically stout in goal, saving 2 short corners and a one-on-one, with some lucky mis-control in the final 3rd from Kent preventing further attacks on goal. Baillie, and the excellent Dom Lester were solid though, and Blackheath survived. The final few minutes of the half belonged to the away side, thanks to typically tenacious work from Marly Jones, and some good skills on the left from Joe Allen. A short corner at the half time whistle was cleared off the line from Mayfield's flick, and the score remained 1-0 to Blackheath.

Chairman Matt Wilde, serving as 2nd XI coach, gave the half time team-talk and was deservedly harsh on BOE. Spells of good play had been interspersed with cheap turnovers and optimistic long-balls, much to the frustration of all involved. The message was clear: we were lucky to be in the lead! With these words ringing in their ears, the 2s headed out for the second half.

But before long, the scores were level. A neat passing move ended with a tap in at the far post for the students, and there was little to complain about. However, what followed was a scintillating display of attacking hockey from both sides, which had the neutrals watching from the sidelines on the edge of their seats. The best chances fell to BOE, who would have been home and dry had they scored just half of the short corners they won. Another Mayfield flick was well saved in the top corner before Fowler's volleyed effort from a rebounded short was inexplicably saved onto the post by a defender on the line The frustration with being unable to score began to spill over; Marly received a dubious Yellow for a stick tackle, whilst Captain Prem Marwaha saw green for petulantly hitting the ball away after messing up a short corner. On returning to the pitch, Marwaha had a good chance on his reverse but could only find the side netting; things didn't seem to be going Blackheath's way. Henry Baines and Slacky continued to made good headway into the opposition D, but couldn't quite find the end product, as several more short corners culminated in scrappy goal line clearances. Kent had their own share of the ball at times, but their passing game was replaced by solo dribbling efforts that were met time and again by the more than capable Blackheath defence. As the umpires signalled 2 minutes of play remaining, it looked as if the game was heading for a stalemate, but there was still time for one more piece of drama...

Winning the ball well on the left side, Lester looked up and found Fowler in the centre of the park, who turned and played the ball forward to Jones. He in turn played a defence-splitting pass to Marwaha, who picked up on his reverse and juggled the ball past 2 players into the D, before bringing it down and slotting past the on-rushing keeper. Scenes of jubilation ensued, as Blackheath knew they only had to hold out for one more minute to come away with the 3 points. At the final whistle BOE were elated, and could look back at an ugly- but satisfying- win.

Final score:

Kent University 1st XI 1-2 Blackheath 2nd XI

MOTM- Tom Mayfield: Scored one, and was a threat throughout the game.
DOTD- (Joint) Prem Marwaha & Marly Jones: Being sent off at a crucial time in the game