As matchday two arrived on another sunny Saturday afternoon, the Old Loughts Men’s 4s were high on confidence after a well-deserved victory last week away at Old Southendians 3s. Looking to make it two wins from two, the challenge this week was a Tower Hamlets 1s side that won this league last season, so we knew it would be a very difficult match. Luckily for us, we had a few players return to the squad, including Captain Rob, after missing our first match.

Based on previous experience, Captain Rob made the pre-match message very clear – to keep disciplined and continue to play the hockey we are capable of, no matter situations that may arise. From the start of the warmup, there was an air of anticipation ahead of our first home match, and the team was eager to continue the winning streak.

Beginning the match, both sides started rather tentatively, trying to work each other out. The first 10 or so minutes were fought away from both goals, before a few chances soon came. Tower Hamlets began to apply pressure through a series of penalty corners which eventually resulted in the first goal of the match, down to the right of goalkeeper Harrison. 0-1.

We created some good openings ourselves, however we could not quite fashion a complete move together. Good work by our forwards did actually result with the ball in the back of the net through Dev, however this was after the whistle was blown for a penalty corner. Struggling to make that clear breakthrough, halftime soon approached, and this gave us a chance to assess the match. Captain Rob assured the side that we could change the scoreline if we continued with our pressing as a team and trusted that chances will come by continuing to work hard.
The second half took a rather more frantic nature, with both teams attempting to capitalise on a more open affair. Although, it was certainly the home team that created the better chances. Following a few close efforts in front of goal, we were able to win a penalty stroke midway through the half. Even though Devan was unable to convert, this did not stop the chances coming and we were finally rewarded through a brilliant strike at the top of the D by Connor. 1-1. This was our game to win now.

Moving the ball much quicker and exploiting the gaps appearing in the Tower Hamlets defence, it felt that it was only a matter of time before we got that decisive second goal. Our pressing as a side, which had worked so well for the first few minutes of the match, began to force mistakes in the visitors’ defence once again, and soon we won a few short corners. Stepping up to receive one of these, Richard Falconer was able to get a low hit away, sending it towards the bottom left corner of the goal, and finding space between the post and the stranded Tower Hamlets keeper. 2-1.

The job for the rest of the match, as with last week, was to remain compact and not allow any easy opportunities for Tower Hamlets. Once again, the team worked extremely hard to keep in shape and as the final whistle came, it was another hard-fought win completed.

MoM this week went again to Connor for his hard work and decisive attacking play to get us back in the match. He now also becomes our top goal scorer for the team early on this season. DoD was a rather one-sided occasion with Dev receiving the majority of votes for a trio of reasons – a clear chance missed, before missing the penalty flick, and a late yellow card just to keep things interesting for the last few minutes. Despite Dev’s clear DoD victory, a word for Richard Horn who kindly joined us from the 3s. However, he might want to check the length of his stick next match after misjudging a ball in defence, which then led to him taking a moment to appreciate the mistake instead of running back. Special mention this week must go to Richard Falconer for a peach of pass through for Connor to draw us level, as well as Oli for stepping in commendably in midfield during the match.

Two wins from two, five goals scored and six points. The Men’s 4s have followed up last week with another deserved victory and shown that we are up for any challenge that may come our away. Next up is a local derby, away at Redbridge & Ilford 2s. Well done all once again, and let’s keep rolling.