A crisp warm morning saw the boys travel down to Eastcote despite leaving a little late ( not naming any names). There were league debuts for Ben Grigg and Andy Smith, with more on them later. The game began fast with a hard press from MK and good start from the team overall, but a lapse of judgement and Eastcote were able to sneak the ball in past Jon. The boys rallied once again but were hit on a break ... It's now 2-0.
But 2-0 is not a big deal for the mighty men of MK, league debutante Ben Grigg flew down the line and when the defender decided to not defend anymore he allowed Ben to roll inside (something Jace thought only Elliot was capable off), he hit a sweet reverse stick shot into the bottom corner. 2-1
The boys were back, free flowing hockey was happening all over the pitch, the arking runs, the lovely ball control, was something Jace had only imagined in his wildest dreams.
Andy Smith received the ball on the right hand side and beat one defender with what we will call anti-skill, he drove into the D and was chopped harder than the forfeit shot he had to do after the game.
The short corner was on. The decions of 2a , 6b or 25g were settled when Johnny said let's do number 1 . He drag-flicked it straight into the bottom corner and it's 2-2.
The cheers of the travelling fans on the sideline roared through the air as the boys were back in contention for the 3 points. It was only the umpire that could break MKs flow with the half time whistle.
After a truly inspiring team talk about who were the better side, the boys were back out for the second half but it was not long before the curse of MK fell down upon one Ben Grigg, his hamstring snapped. In a desperate attempt to find the shortest route from the middle of the pitch Ben hopped off the pitch with the grace of a gazelle on heroin.
With the deviating blow to the team and while Jace was chatting up the umpire, Eastcote were able to sneak another goal in while nobody was looking.
The boys were down once again but like Arthur rising once again after passing out on a night out, the boys were willing to fight.
Number 4 from Eastcote got himself a green card with a devastating tackle on Andy which left his gran wanting words on the sideline. The umpire that had forgoten that half time meant we switched sides then tried to send Arthur off for Eastcote kicking the ball away which resulted in another card for Eastcote. Number 4 was back on but just mere seconds later (maybe he enjoyed the rest) was off again with a yellow.
9 Vs 11 it was in MKs favour and this favour meant that the boys could now press. They won a short in the last ten mins. Once again Johnny stepped up and a bobbly pass followed by 3 rebounds the ball found its way to Adrian who put it in the goal (we shall call this routine 34a).
It's now 3-3 and the boys are on for the win yet the decision to play it round the back meant that only 1 point was had this day.
The end score was 3-3 and the boys bring home their first point of the season.
Andy