BEHC win the battle of Hurstmere

A sunny but windy Saturday saw Blackheath take on a Burnt Ash team who would probably be better suited to ice hockey, in a kind-of local derby. Unlike Klopp’s Liverpool, the wind didn’t disrupt the race for the title for BE, as the lads churned out a 4-1 win, in perhaps not the most glamorous of games.

In a dominant start from BE, which seemed reminiscent of their 8-0 win of last week it came as a bit of a shock when a slight lapse in concentration at the back meant Burnt Ash went 1-0 up. Not ideal.

From then on, Burnt Ash stuck all 11 players behind the ball, in a barricade against the BE attack. Sitting back and aloowing BE to get into the game and start playing their brand of hockey, slick passes around the pitch creating space.

Sustained pressure finally yielded in the first short corner for Blackheath. A slip left and an absolute rocket of a flick, which trickled past the keepers planted right foot saw Fowler on the score sheet for his first goal in a Blackheath shirt... right?

A cute incident during a short corner allowed some of the Burnt Ash players to show and tell JP how much they really missed him. Aw, how sweet. I may have misheard but I’m sure that’s what was going on.

With attacks from Burnt Ash few and far between and attack after attack coming from Blackheath, it was not long before a bit of a scrap at the top of the D allowed Marly some space to hit a reverse. Looping up towards the goal, the keeper took a furious swipe at the ball. With everyone ducking for cover the only thing in peril was the backboard as the keeper completely missed and ball rolled over the line for Blackheath’s second. It’ll do, back in the lead, back to normality.

With tensions boiling, half time came at the perfect time and gave BE a moment to re-focus on hockey.

The second half continued in a similar vein. Blackheath looked comfortable and confident on the ball. So much so that G decided he would try and score by beating the half their team. Doing the first part successfully it was disappointing to see him pass and not try and beat the other few more defenders and score. However, the resulting play meant the ball landed at Prem’s feet and with a little dribble into the D and miss-hit, the score was now to 3-1. Tidy finish to be fair.

Now. Everyone make a note somewhere, write it down, I don’t mind. Don’t ever, under any circumstances make Nathan angry. It won’t end well for you. Oh and there was a red card for Burnt Ash after a bit of a scuffle at a short corner. Absolute madness.

With 10 men on the pitch for Burnt Ash, Blackheath remained very much in control, setting up in the oppos half and playing the ball about freely. Nice patterns of play were being strung together, which eventually ended with Marly getting on the score sheet for the second time. I’m sure it was a belter but I can’t quite remember.

Full time. Final score 4-1 BEHC. Top bombing.

With one eye on the title and Canterbury keeping up the pressure it makes for one hell of a game next week down at The Meadow.

Mom: G, for some mad tekkers and a standout performance
Dod: Ed B for being tripped up by the Ghost of Hurstmede.