Won 2-0
Scorers: John Aikin (snr), Arthur Aikin (jnr)
MoM: Simon Triggs & Louis Bennett
DoD: Tony JOnes for wearing his mask upside down
FAMILY AIKIN BRING HOME THE BACON
After a smooth run down the M2 the Friars found themselves lining up to face New Beccehamians on a crisp day of south London winter sunshine.
Upfront it was Tony Jones with Team Aikin and newcomer Louis Bennett on debut on the right wing. In the midfield it was the cerebral Mark Lister with hard-hitting Mike Barton and the ever energetic Brian Hurlow alongside him. In defence it was Trigger in goal with a back four consisting of Biggles and Ratty paired with the towering and intimidating presence of Alex and Big Geoff. “Thank God they’re on our side” young Arthur was heard to remark of the Friars’ gentle giants (or big units that this sub-editor would describe them as!)
And so the match began – or so we hoped – as no one had anticipated an eager umpire’s interest in Mike’s baseball cap, which was, after forensic analysis determined to be “infringement-free”, courtesy of its soft peak – yes really – these things happen in elite Friars Hockey.
Once the match finally commenced the Friars played some great hockey. The defence was robust and the midfield structured and well organised (sshurely shome mistake – ed?). It was happy days for Aikin senior upfront with great service from the midfield, allowing him to hold up the ball before unleashing the pace and skill of youngsters Louis and Arthur to terrorise the somewhat less nimble Beccehamian defenders.
The Friars’ first goal came 20 minutes in. Fine stickwork from Mark Lister penetrated the D, setting up a blistering first time strike from Aikin senior (even if he says it himself! -ed). 1-0 to the Friars which remained the half time score.
Goal number two came in the second half with Arthur (son of Aikin senior) somehow emerging from a melee in the D to slot home leaving a trail of stick-less defenders and the goalie in his wake.
But the game was won from defence who had to work hard, defending many attacks and short corners.
At one point Ratty was desperately marshalling for another short corner defender, only for young Corporal Tony Jones to pop up from behind the backboard ready for action with his mask upside down! More proof – as if any was needed after his first minute goal last week – that he’s still got it – just!
There was never a dull moment for Trigger who had an outstanding game in goal constantly thwarting an increasingly frustrated opposition and for his own personal season’s intense family competition – a clean sheet and another point on the fridge door!
This was a good natured and competitive match, and the final score was a 2-0 win for the Friars and takes them into dangerous table territory – clear second and in mortal danger of promotion.