Won 2-0
Scorers: Podd x2
MoM: George Coombs
DoD: Ben Lawford
A youthful new-look 4s team took to the field on AW1 in the final Pre-Season game before the league started in a battle to be called “the best 4th team in the South East”.
Buoyed on by a partisan crowd, Canterbury ran out comfortable winners 2-0. Andy Howard back in goal after summer vacation was in usual assertive form, marshalling the defence and ensuring the first clean sheet of the season.
A few eyebrows were raised in the transfer window, with miracles worked enticing Faz to play at the heart of defence. His ever commanding presence and ball distribution was of the highest calibre, ably supported by George Coombs who will surely benefit under his tutelage. Panayides and Entwistle at half backs completed the impregnable backline.
Fox, Grantham-Stevens, Lawford and Ellis were tireless in midfield, combining great engines with some sublime 3D skills.
With a tried and tested frontline of Lea, Podd and Devereux pulling the strings upfront.
In the second quarter Matt Lea put one of a plate for Podd to roll past the keeper with a composed first time strike.
Canterbury continued to dominate the game, both territorially and in possession, creating numerous chances, playing an entertaining brand of hockey. The away team ended up getting riled up and it was clear there was more on the line that a mere “friendly”.
With almost the last play of the game, Podd who could find space inside a sardine can, received the ball on the top of the D, shuffled onto the reverse and smoked one bottom corner. Matt Lea who had slightly less faith in his strike partner could be heard shrieking running for cover.
Sittingbourne 2s await next week in the first league came. LET’S GO.