Won 6-1
Scorers: Goodwin, Newell, Hurlow, Reef Upton, Neal (2)
MoM: Morgan Abbott
With thanks to team sponsor MMil http://www.batchelorcoop.co.uk
The Batchelor-Coop Millers opened the day on AW2 this week; the last of 4 successive home games, and Captain Sharratt keen to maintain what has (mostly) been a resolute showing at Fortress Polo.
The Millers started well, although despite the chances an opening goal proved elusive until late in the first half when Henry Goodwin slid a well taken opportunity under the keeper’s foot from an acute angle. A half-time lead but a plethora of chances squandered, Sharratt was keen to maintain momentum but up the finishing.
In a surprising twist, his words were heeded, the Millers doubling their advantage with strong interplay and silky skills from Morgan, Reef and Nick, leaving Thomas to adeptly provide the finish. 2-0 up and comfortable (temporarily)!
A period of Sevenoaks pressure was capably absorbed by Ben ‘Brick-wall’ Beatty. Unfortunately, in the melee aftermath of a short corner, ‘oaks managed to make their pressure pay and squeeze one in. 2-1 and a precarious position… Ten minutes to go, Sharratt put his body on the line and took an impact to the ribs. Despite offers of a substitution he persevered: fearless leadership or an irresponsible display of Sharratt stupidity? Whichever, the resulting effect was a corralling of the troops and what followed can only be described as ‘liquid hockey’ from the Millers.
Morgan worked his way down the right to play in Simon for a finish into the roof of the net. An immediate follow up with a sequence of classic Millers’ under-the-arm passes from Reef and Simon leaving Ollie to slot under the onrushing keeper. And a slick move, again down the right leaving Reef with a well-taken, pirouetting finish from the p-spot. The final goal was a lesson to all the youngsters in the team that you should always make sure of the finish no matter the circumstances. After beating two defenders Henry’s shot (pass?) to the back post, watched all the way by Ollie to provide the chef’s kiss of a touch from an inch out (always make sure!). 6-1.