Heathens held at Cobdown

At a Hundred of Hoo School Blackheath & Oe Heathens looked to keep the pressure on Tunbridge Wells Vets with a win at Cobdown, a team that relies a lot on their physical approach to hockey.
In retropsect, the game was going to be disorganised and slow even before the game go underway. At least 3 players didn't turn up till 5 mins for the game, one of these players was transporting the umpire!! Not the ideal start or ideal for the Skippers nerves!
Despite this the Heathens got off to a bright start, dominating the first 10 mins and exposing Cobdowns lack of pace at the back. Before the first subs were rotated on Andy Moore finally managed to get onto a cross that hit the keeper and two defenders sticks at the back post. The Heathens held their breathe for a split second, anticipating another missed opportunity. Andrew has been unsuccessful recently, unable to put the ball away at the back post. The Heathens did not need to doubt their Captain this time. Andrew, managed to slot home the cross to put the Heathens 1-0 up.
From this point the game Cobdown started to get back into the game, and played some good counter attacking hockey. The Heathens seemed to lose vision, pace and awareness, the pass stopped and everything became, somehow more laboured. There was a lot of tippy tappy hockey from the Heathens, with the ball staying on players sticks, or too long or playing passes on to Cobdown defenders strong side. Little moments not quite going to plan, mounting pressure on ourselves. Perhaps the physicality of the Cobdowns game was wearing the Heathen down. I think a few hockey sticks were replaced. At one point, a Cobdown player decided that banter and chat back wasn't in the true nature of the game but threatening abusive behaviour was. He was rightly removed from the pitch. Adrian decided to voluntary sub himself after a difference of opinion on how the game should be played. Towards the end of the first half Blackheath allowed Cobdown to play the ball from a sideline on the 16 mark, across to an unmarked player, who hit it in, with their forward expertly deflecting past a helpless Seb, who had no chance. Other shota come close near the end of the second half, Brett also intervened with a great diving tackle, Seb making a couple of great saves.
The second half went on as the first ended with Cobdown relying on their 2 young tricky forwards driving forward on the counter and the Heathens not coming out of the channels, not turning strong and giving the ball away. Cobdown could of gone up if it wasn't for some fine saves and positioning from Seb (one of which involved him doing the splits!).
Towards the end of the game the Heathens started to get back in the game, helped by Cobdown being down to 10 men twice. Should of even score in the dying minutes but for Richard being unable to produce enough side spin to curl the ball inside the Cobdown goal after a great move and run. 1-1 it finished.
A disappointing game, marred by some tantrums (especially a wound up Cobdown player who just doesn't like chatty small people!)
Next week will be better and will improve on our overall play.
1-1
MOM: Seb Zano
DoD: Chris Hall
Goal: Skipper
Report By: Chris Hall