Lost 0-2
Scorers: N/A
MoM: Simon Triggs
DoD: Merv didn’t get a card so not awarded!
With thanks to team sponsor MFri
So the Friars arrived mid morning at the University of Greenwich to face Bexleyheath & Belvedere. It was very cold but at least the sun was shining.
Looking at the Friars’ starting line-up it was evident that some shirts had either been shrunk in the wash or perhaps a few too many mince pies/glasses of port had been consumed over the festive period – take your pick! Geoff Philpott was sporting some shiny new boots, his last pair, having neen christened in the last millennium, were apparently sadly worn out.
The match commenced on time, but the Friars unfortunately conceded a goal early on. They were up against a strong and well marshalled Bexleyheath team, but a well organised Friars’ defence held them to just 2-0 at half time.
Brian Hurlow emerged with a huge box of Jaffa cakes to share that seemed to be longer than his hockey stick! These were consumed with relish while listening to some analysis and rousing words from Trigger.
The Friars emerged re-energised in the second half and conceded no further goals. Trigger and the defence were well supported by Lucas Coda-East who was energetic in the midfield, combining well with Merv Lewis and Chris Hendy.
The Friars were denied in the final minute when a blistering strike from John Aikin hit the post.
The final score was a 2-0 defeat for the Friars, but it had been a good natured game and a great return to hockey for the new year.