3s Deal with another disappointing Draw

Coming off the back of strong wins against Burnt Ash and Gore Court the 3s rode into Deal to take on the flying Dutchman and his band of rogues hoping to continue their run of form in the league.

The boys started strong utilising the switch through Turner, Hotpoint and Van Driem. Link play with the midfield created some early probes into the opposition D the 3s could have easily come away with an early opener but the Deal defence held firm and deflected shot after shot over the base line. Then disaster is a rare counter attack a free shot at goal from close range beating Bullens at his near post 1-nil down and lots of work to do.

The 3s came back strong with some linked play between Hancorn and Archie on the right winning a high side line ball. Archie’s piercing ball across the pitch found Dow unmarked on their 25 with a free run at the goal. No defender stepped to challenge, maybe it was fear or maybe they had seen videos of his shooting and knew there was no danger, but to everyone’s surprise the keeper was beaten and a sure goal stopped by a defender’s foot, fortunately it fell back to Dow to slot the ball into the empty new 1-1. NO! Umpire blew for a penalty flick as the ball cross the line. Up stepped the in-form Hutchings ready to further his goal tally for the season and sent the ball high and left past a flailing goalie 1-1 rightly reinstated.

What followed was attacking hockey from the 3s with no joy and Deal counter attacking at pace taking advantage of being able to lose their marker and get behind the 3s defensive line. The halftime whistle blew with the game very much in the balance.

Deal struck first in the second half with a mishit ball sending everyone the wrong way and the ball into the net 2-1 and the 3s were once again on the back foot. The boys stuck to the plan and created dangerous plats through Hancorn and Cleall and with the forwards finding space high and wide an equaliser looked overdue but time was running out.

The breakthrough finally came through a ball to the back post met with a neat touch from Surry across the goal and beating the keeper for an easy finish for Hutchings 2-2.

The game ended with neither team able to clinch the winner and the 3s will feel they let points slip away this week.

To be fair to Deal they had a counter attacking game plan and stuck to it well taking their chances when they came. However, the ending cry from the Flying Dutchman resonates “well done boys we’ve stolen a point there”

MotM: Adam Mulvanny
Official DotD: Scott Dow
Unofficial DotD: Erik de Wit