New Year Same problem

Spirits were high in the 3s dressing room after having expertly and professionally dispatching of the so-called "2nd XI team" the week before. With all the swagger of Jamie Vardy in a Leicester nightclub we stepped into the furnace that is College Meadow Stadium to the sound of screaming fans and journalists rubbing their hands together in expectation of another display of hockey wizardry. Ders and Matt roused the troops with a searing team talk, and the lion's roar of "BOE HC!" echoed round the grounds of Eltham College like a blood curdling war cry. The stage was set for glory once more.

The first half saw the Mighty 3rd XI continually test their Gore Court opponents, and it looked like a second win for the dazzling outfit was a mere 70 minutes away. The highly experienced midfield 3 of Luke, Fowler and Forsyth passed the ball beautifully amongst each other, linking up with the clinical dribbler that is Browner up front. He, along with young Eltham hot-shot Joe Allen were leaving Gore Court players stunned in their wondrous wakes, but the efforts of the wildly inconsistent centre forward, Nick Surry, ensured that the scores remained at 0-0.

They say that every dog has its day, and that was certainly true of the defensive unit in the first half. Ders and Matt effortlessly disposed of every striker that came their way, with Nick Smith and Golbey linking seamlessly with the midfield to create a real display of artistry. Special mention must be made, however, of goalkeeper James Florence. He leapt around the sticks like a man possessed, denying the Gore Court strike force at every opportunity. Fear was struck into the hearts of the opposition as Michael Wickenden and Tristan came off the bench to join the attacking line. Tristan has certainly mastered the art of the turnover, creating rivers of play in the attacking third, and the delicate skills of the superb Michael left even Browner taking notes. It was a shame, however, that Ders did not decide to banish Surry to the dressing room after he snatched defeat from the jaws of certain victory by completely missing the ball and falling over in front of goal, seeing him be unanimously voted as DOTD.

Half time came, surely to the relief of Blackheath's ragged opponents, with the scores still at 0-0. The sun was setting over the illustrious astroturf, and unfortunately the sun was also setting on the 3rd 11s performance. Despite Florence's most valiant efforts, the 3s conceded early in the second half to a well worked short corner. Never discouraged in the face of adversity, Blackheath bravely fought on and were quickly rewarded. MOTM Wickenden dictated the middle of the park and threaded a pass through the eye of a needle to an unmarked Surry in the D who coolly equalized (on his second attempt).

However, the fitness of the Blackheath warriors was fading, and pace was leaving the game faster than fans leaving Old Trafford in recent weeks. One man amongst the pack remained undeterred however, the demon right back that is Nick Smith. Almost every play went through him as he tirelessly ran rampant up the right flank, providing Joe and Tristan with a constant stream of play. It will perhaps not come as a surprise to read though that Gore Court scored a second, again from a short corner which took a wicked deflection of the no.1 runner's foot and past the keeper. This proved to be the knockout blow as Umpire Thorogood later called an end to the evening's proceedings.

A disappointing result for the 3s, who remain in a relegation battle, but the match has left plenty of positives foe Ders to ponder. A word of thanks must be extended to Edd Thorogood who adjudicated expertly and fairly, despite a somewhat vocal Gore Court side.

MOTM- Michael Wickenden
DOTD- Nick Surry

Written by Nick Surry