Won 1-3
Scorers: Andy Hurst, Nick Buckingham, Ali Figgis
MoM: Andrew Dunn
DoD: Maxime Messenger
With thanks to team sponsor M2 http://www.fluidity.uk.com
The inaugural match of the season saw us embark on a journey, through traffic, arriving at the warm Marden Hockey Club, where our hosts had earned their promotion after an undefeated campaign in the Pilgrims League last year. As we geared up for the game during our pre-match warm-up, the team’s spirits were high, setting the tone for what lay ahead.
From the very outset, our team showed remarkable intensity. We created numerous opportunities early on, earning penalty corners and forcing the opposing goalkeeper into a number of saves. However, it took some time before we finally broke the deadlock. It was Andy Hurst who seized the moment, receiving the ball across his body and executing a brilliant backhand shot that found the net at the near post.
Our relentless pressure in the final third yielded further dividends as Nick Bucks displayed his finesse by elegantly slotting home another goal, extending our lead to a comfortable two-goal cushion. Yet, Marden displayed commendable resilience and launched some threatening attacks of their own, only to be thwarted by our well-organised defence and the exceptional playmaking skills of our man of the match, Andrew Dunn, in a role reminiscent of Busquets.
Marden did manage to find a chink in our armor when a penetration into our D resulted in a short corner, which they successfully converted to narrow the deficit. However, this setback failed to dampen the spirits of our team. We regrouped and continued our relentless pursuit of that coveted two-goal advantage. The goal finally arrived, with our dependable centre-back, Ali Figgis, stepping up to deliver a precise drag flick into the corner, restoring our lead.
The game was far from over, and we maintained our disciplined structure even when reduced to ten men after a Charlie stick tackle resulted in a green card. Tactical adjustments by our senior players ensured we remained solid from the back. We continued to create scoring opportunities, but in the final 15 minutes, Maxime’s frustration with the umpire earned him a yellow card, so again we restructured and stayed steady at the back.
Undeterred, we managed to see out the game with confidence and pride, and as the final whistle blew, we left the field with our heads held high. Our post-match celebration included a classic team meal of sausages, chips, and beans. It was at this time that MOM and DOD votes were cast and it was a three-way tie for MOM between Leo, Micheal and Andrew which had to be decided by a chug-off. DOD was a bit easier with Maxime getting a majority of the votes.
Looking ahead, our next challenge awaits us at our home ground, the fortress, where we will face Aldershot and Farnham in a match set to begin at 13:15 on water pitch 1.
See you then!…