This disappointing result was far more about 2 points dropped than 1 point gained. In a game dominated in large parts by the boys from Blackheath it was a harsh reminder that the balance of a match can fluctuate in a moment if you don’t maintain focus and discipline for the full 70 mins. Plus when faced with South East England’s ‘favourite’ Umpire who is never far from controversy you have to be even more on top of your game and be prepared for anything. Having a two goal advantage is always good but never enough in any game and although the Club had it at three keys points, instead of killing off the opposition with another goal, a resilient Burnt Ash were allowed a foothold back in the game and got themselves level by the final whistle. An infuriatingly refused but very legitimate call (witnessed by everybody minus the one with the whistle) for a P Flick in the last minute as a desperate Burnt Ash defender on his knees used everything but his stick to illegally stop the ball crossing the line could’ve given the 3s the chance to claim the deserved three points. But in reality, BOE should’ve secured the victory way before this point and expecting that Official to give that decision in the final throws of this game was unrealistic. It was certainly not the overriding reason the team didn’t bag all the points. Nonetheless, there were many positives for the Mighty 3s and all four classy goals were excellently constructed and executed but it was definitely a draw that felt like a loss.

The Mighty 3s came into the game after an important and deserved win away at Cliftonville the week before. The momentum was good and spirits were high with a solid squad selected. Attacking hockey with high energy from the off was the required opening to try and get a score early and dominate from there. The 3rd XI have real pace up front and always look dangerous on the counter attack so it was no surprise when a rapid transfer down the right found Jason Barkworth just outside the top of the D who masterfully hammered the ball straight down the middle for a lightening quick Will Powell to lead across and deflect it through the GK’ s legs for the opener. The goal was particularly pleasing as it was straight from the training ground and onto the pitch (A key session on post and p spot deflections with Coach Edd Thorogood on the Tues proved very prophetic).

Burnt Ash pushed in search of an equaliser but another fine counter attacking move enabled the industrious Tom Piesold to canter into the D and slide the ball across goal to the well positioned Will Powell to touch it in for his and the teams second.
BOE went in search for the third but an avoidable turnover led to a mazy run from a Burnt Ash forward which saw a debatable decision secure him a penalty corner which was powered home to keep them within touching distance. Questionable umpiring but really the opposition player should never have been allowed to get into that position to even entertain the possibility of a penalty corner. BOE had let the Oppo back in and spent the next 5mins AWOL as several attacks came onto the home side.

Half time came just in time for the lads to regroup and go again. With a 2-1 lead the first period of the second half was crucial in dictating the outcome of this game. BOE again started the stronger and a moment of great link up play beginning with the ever improving 15yr old Left Half Jake Owen powering forwards and spreading the ball wide to the left for Tom Cleall to cut inside and make space at the top of the D. He slipped it right to Will Powell who slapped it back across the goal for the gleeful Jake Owen to smash the ball into the backboard and thus finish the move he began and chalk up his debut goal for the 3rd XI. The two goal advantage was restored but Burnt Ash came again and after letting them swarm across the midfield a well-aimed pass found their CF with some room and he dispatched a shot into the bottom of the goal. 3-2 and once gain the visitors had clawed themselves back into it.

To Blackheath’s credit they drove straight back up the pitch from the start and secured themselves a penalty corner. A well worked routine by means of a sneaky left slip at the top of the D from the Skipper Matt Wilde enabled Chris Brown to superbly rifle past the GK into the far right corner. 4-2. Now would BOE close out the game and make the 3 points safe? No is the answer as many of the Mighty 3s seemed to switch off and go AWOL for a 10 minute spell of unfathomable inaction and mediocrity that saw Burnt Ash daw level with two penalty corners that should never have been given away in the first place. Far from seeing out the game with patience and fortitude Blackheath went gung- ho at the front, sat deep at the back, invited the oppo onto them in midfield and didn’t work hard enough. Not good at this level and letting teams in when 4-2 up cannot be tolerated.

The equalising goal did stir the team back into action like a strong dose of smelling salts and some wonderfully intricate play from Chris Brown in the D that left the Keeper stranded enabled him to seemingly flick the ball inside the post for the winner. However the human wall of the sprawling Burnt Ash defender put paid to that and with the Umpire unable to distinguish between stick and flesh Blackheath went unrewarded and the clearest p flick we’ll see all season joined the sad list of ‘what if’s’.

So an forgettable ten minutes which allowed a beatable but impressively determined Burnt Ash back into a game that should have been dead and buried some time before was the story of the day. That sort of lapse won’t be enough if the Mighty 3s are to overcome the imposing Ashford on next Saturday. A week off due to BBHC’ s withdrawal will gives the lads a chance to assess, recharge and come back stronger and wiser.

MOTM - 2 goal hero Will Powell
DOTD - Matt Wilde for not heeding his own advice and trying to talk to the 'reasonable' Umpire.