After a fantastic pre-season build up, the Loughts Men's 4s began their season back in Upminster, and as always, were fired up.

On a relatively pleasant nearly-autumnal afternoon, the team were lacking their main man, Captain Rob, and hada different side. Though, we still went with confidence and belief, as now there was nowhere left to hide.

The match began very evenly and both teams worked hard to keep the ball. We created good openings, looking for the breakthrough, and in defence we stood tall.

Our persistence paid off close to halftime through a team move you could call a sweeper. From myself, out wide to find Richard, who then managed to find Connor in front of goal, with a deflection aiding its path past the keeper.

The lead we fought to get, unfortunately, did not last for long. Just before halftime arrived, and after a couple of more threatening attacks, the score soon became one for all, and all for one.

The second half was a close fought encounter once more, with both teams trying to find that decisive score. We started to turn the screw, with a series of penalty corners, but alas no way through.

And as the match drew to its conclusion, we had to repel some dangerous home attacks, but Harrison was always on hand to stop the home team in their tracks.

The fulltime whistle soon came, and we had safely secured our first point of the season, whilst also extending our now 25-game unbeaten run into the new campaign.

DoD this week went to Richard for his aerial, rather misplaced, and MoM found its way to Sam who rose to the occasion of everything he faced. A special mention this week must go to Leo who returned to action, soon after recovering from a recent operation, putting in a fine display, as if he hadn't missed a single game.

First game done, and still unbeaten. The Loughts Men's 4s secure their first point of the new season. Next up is a tough match against Witham, hopefully on new turf down the Lane. What is for certain, though, is that we will go out and defend our unbeaten run, with every part of ourselves, from nerve to vein.

Signing off,
Ryan

Men's 4s Season Stats:
Goals scored: 1
Goals conceded: 1
Clean sheets: 0
Penalty Corner Conversion Rate: 0/6 (0%)

Goalscorers: Connor
Assists: Richard

MoM: Sam
DoD: Richard