Won 2-1
Scorers: Will Hanys, Reef Upton
MoM: Archie Barnes
With thanks to team sponsor MMil http://www.batchelorcoop.co.uk
The high-flying Batchelor-Coop Millers achieved a sub-optimal start, conceding in the opening five minutes from a penalty corner. However, this early set-back prompted the Millers to quickly implement their trademark ‘all-out-attack’ formation. Their relentless pressure eventually paid dividends as an Ashford defender saw yellow and, shortly after, Canterbury managed to level through Will Hanys, who calmly lifted the ball over the prone keeper from short range.
Ashford attacks were limited, but generally fast and well-worked when they came. However, they were unable to breach the veritable brick wall of Humey and Dave Upton at the back. A second yellow for Ashford saw a series of short corners follow, and Reef Upton managed to give Canterbury the advantage from the top of the D. Archie Barnes was unlucky not to increase this lead shortly after, when his two powerful reverse efforts were saved; first by the keeper, then by the post!
The second half continued with more silky skills from Henry Hodson and Reef Upton, and good link-up between Alex, Will and Archie, all combining to run the opposition ragged! Opportunities were created but the oppo keeper made some good saves and the reliable Sharratt short-corner strike finally let him down.
The last fifteen saw Ashford push further up the pitch to try and rescue something from the game. Lenny, in the home goal, was equal to everything though and made a ‘worldy’ save with an outstanding ‘go-go-gadget-arms’ full stretch dive to preserve the lead. A good, if narrow, win for the Millers.
Our thanks and sincere apologies* go to the triumvirate of James Cox, Phil Sandey and Sam Day(-Upton) for umpiring.
*The necessity for an apology has been glossed-over in this report, but the Captain advises that full details will shortly be available in his upcoming literary debut: “Sharratt: The Maladies & Misadventures of a Lovable Chancer!”, available from all good car-boot sales soon.