DIRTY DOZEN UNDONE NR DOVER

This was always going to be a tough fixture for the Mighty 3s. Folkestone are always strong at home and facing their second team who were relegated into this league with quality and a desire to bounce back made it an even bigger challenge. However, this visit was not helped by a whopping 10 first choice players missing and another two key players being drafted into the 2s. Mighty in spirit but not in numbers and ammunition. A mixture of half-term holidays, work commitments, illness, season tickets, tourism and the final of the wrestling over an egg shaped ball game made selection a hugely frustrating affair. Nevertheless a hastily assembled Dirty Dozen of 3s and Heathens did themselves proud as they made the trek and valiantly fought for the honour of the club against Folkestone’s 2nd Team. The Captain cannot fault the determination, commitment and drive of the 12 honourable lads who stood up to be counted as they gave Folkestone a good run for their money before a lack of experience in the final 23, naivety, one sub and a failure to covert chances took its toll.

An unforgiving schlep down to the coast was followed by a quick round of ‘hello’s’ and ‘what’s your name?’ before the Skipper set out a game plan and attempted to persuade some players to play in unfamiliar positions as an extra dimension to a tricky afternoon. To the lads credit they gave everything and for the first 20mins played some great team passing hockey, doing simple things well and retaining possession. Although few scoring opportunities were created the team had lots of the ball and were using it sensibly. The Opposition had one or two good players in the middle but we’ve faced better teams and their high position in the league seemed pretty generous with them looking quite vulnerable at the back. However, this was a day when we didn’t have our regular skill and firepower to exploit that ‘Achilles heel’ so set about doing the best we could with the tools we had. And so it was that we went behind to two quick goals before half time. A Folkestone penalty corner broke down but the ball found its way back into the D and with Jason Loveless unable to pick the ball clearly due to the strong sun in his eyes an innocuous push, come shovel come flick from the centre of the D sailed past him. The Oppo player was delighted his tame effort found the net and BOE rued their poor fortune. Five minutes later Folkestone fought (literally) down the left with some combative challenges. The attack looked to be going nowhere at the base line but a clever upgrade and their best player was found whom promptly ghosted along the top of the D without a serious BOE challenge going in before smashing the ball crisply into the goal. 2 down. The lads had held out valiantly but Folkestone’s superiority began to show. Halftime chat was full of positivity and a belief that one goal pulled back would give us hope and Folkestone worries.
We again started with good intentions but 5 mins in and a hopeful smash into the D from the right eluded most but a Folkestone stick dangled and diverted the ball beyond a despairing Loveless into the corner of the BOE goal. 3-0 down. A cruel blow. A this point the game surprisingly and embarrassingly got a bit ugly with Folkestone who were three up losing their heads on numerous occasions, picking up cards, back chatting the Umps, disputing decisions, flying in with aggressive tackles, trying to intimidate the BOE lads and arguing amongst themselves. It was an odd turn of affairs and pretty unexplainable. The BOE lads are to be commended for not being drawn into the Oppo’s unsavoury display and battled on trying to get back in the game. BOE kept on pushing and forced the Folkestone keeper to make a few saves. BOE won themselves a PC and were unlucky not to score from the well executed routine with a goal line save being Folkestone’s saviour. BOE never gave up and continued to look for some reward for their efforts but composure, skill and fortune in the final third let us down. After more pressure another BOE goal mouth scramble ensued and the ball ricocheted to a waiting Folkestone attacker a the top of the D who drilled it into the goal. 4-0 down. Unfortunately, another penalty corner went to the Oppo and although Jason made a great save the ball plopped directly in front of him just out of reach. It split the post men who were also unable to get round him to reach it before a very over excited Folkestone player scooped it over him into the goal. The chap celebrated like he’d won the world cup in the last minute or was about to turn into the Hulk as he screamed and fist pumped triumphantly into the forlorn BOE defenders faces. This astonishing outburst brought great laughter and welcome light relief in the BOE ranks with some joker commenting that the chap ‘clearly isn’t getting any’ and will need to ‘change his shorts immediately’. Never has the fifth goal of a five nil lead been celebrated with such unbridled machismo. What a joy. Well done that lad. A great comic note to end a tough day at the office.

The BOE lads rallied and despite the scoreline we valiantly went in search of a goal squeezing every last bit of energy into every attack. We came close but alas no cigar. Terrific spirit from all those involved.

Highly commendable contributions worth mentioning include tireless running and dangerous penetrations from Chris Hall at AM, some superb distribution and vision from Adrian Graham at RH, a vintage performance from a very tired Gobbler at LH and a MOTM winning contribution from Chris Fowler at IR who created numerous openings and opportunities and ran himself into the ground. Jason Loveless was one vote behind in the MOTM poll for another outstanding display of composure, flair and dexterity pulling off a string of superb saves.
Thanks to Charlie Nelson, Tom Jagger and Toby Partridge who stepped up to 3s front line and did themselves proud with maximum effort and commitment throughout.

The Umpiring (both Umps very kindly supplied by Folkestone) was excellent and the best we’ve had this season. They allowed the game to be played using advantage, common sense and their own discretion when appropriate and let the match ebb and flow without the need to stamp their personality on the game. Top work.

We were proud of our efforts and commitment despite the defeat and full of hope that when we entertain Folkestone at the Meadow with a full strength BOE side we can make amends for this loss and secure some retribution. There’s nothing to fear. Time to pick ourselves up and hope the absentees get back on the bus so we can start to gel and progress. Bring on next week.