Won 2-1
Scorers: A.Carter x2
MoM: Freddie McMullan
DoD: Opposition GK
With the bare 11, Canterbury 4s travelled to Blackheath for a tricky encounter against a side so far undefeated.
The home side dominated the early phases of the game, and Canterbury were particularly under pressure from 16s, with Blackheath adopting an aggressive press. Missing Hugh Thompson’s D to D aerial, our defence were patient to create overloads and 2 on 1s.
Charlie and Ed utilising their array of slaps and reverse stick passes, while full backs Freddie and Ollie continued to impress. Both in offense and defence.
Unfortunately, Blackheath scored a good short-corner, drag-flick to side netting to take the lead at the break. There could have been more bar for the heroics from Elliot in net.
However, there was no need to panic, and Arthur and Angus in the engine room, started to find themselves in space in the second half. Jonny and Riley outwide, provided great outlets for distribution, with the crowd thrilled by their pace and 3D skill.
Freddie Cancelo drifted into the centre of the park, and started to dictate play, whilst stalwart Alan Carter, looked excellent for a player that hadn’t seen a hockey stick since April.
The drama was to occur midway through the second half, after intricate play in the midfield, the ball was played into Jonny, who rounded the keeper only to get taken out. Captain, Chris Podd, was not overly enamoured with the keepers tackle and politely asked for a short corner. The oppositions goalkeeper in a moment of madness, then proceeded to confront Podd, and deliver a headbut. Not the most powerful, but enough for the umpire to give the GK a 10 minute yellow- which was reasonably generous…
Alan Carter delighted from two straight strikes against a Blakcheath side now lacking a keeper, and the “hard-fought” points were heading back to casa polo.
Cliftonville 1st next on the show pitch at home- not to be missed!