Following on from last week’s hard-fought point away to Upminster 2s, the Loughts Men’s 4s were blessed with the opportunity to be one of the first teams to play on the freshly laid Pitch 1 down the Lane. With all home teams before us remaining unbeaten on this historic day for the club, it was up to us to maintain that record, as welcomed our own special guests this week, Witham 2s.

The league’s results in match week 1 were very close, with Witham actually one of only 3 teams to have won already. Of such, if we were to continue our incredible unbeaten streak for another week, we would have to be wise to the challenge of the visiting team. And with Captain Rob back to lead the side today, the team were ready to perform on the grandest of surfaces.

The match started well for us, imposing ourselves high up, and spreading the ball well. The one main threat we had to deal with was a rather useful forward, who often acted as their sole outlet going forward. With this approach clear from the off, the onus was on us to dictate the play and break the deadlock. And within the first 20 minutes, we had stretched into a 2-goal lead. First, the breakthrough came in the form of a rather unlikely source, in strike, not in name. As we ventured forward once again, the ball found its way to our talisman, Richard, who uncharacteristically shifted the ball onto his reverse and wound up for the shot from the top of the D. What followed was arguably the cleanest reverse strike that has ever left that side of his stick. Everyone, including myself standing directly behind, did not compute the rare skill that had just been on show. But, with a plump sound as the ball nestled into the back of the goal, we were 1-0 up. And soon after we doubled our lead. This time, we converted one of the early short corners we had earnt. Receiving the ball from Connor after the initial stages of our routine, Rohan was able to dispatch to put us in a more commanding position.

The rest of the match saw us huff and puff, trying to find the goals that our performance richly deserved, but with no success either side of the break. Still, shortly after halftime, we were able to demonstrate our passing prowess to the onlooking gallery, keeping the ball uninterrupted for the first 10 minutes. Although, the longer the game went with the score still 2-0, the more we became more cautious of our lead, and Witham started to take the upper hand – with a rather big helping hand from some of our own players, it has to be said. However, despite the attempts of a few individuals – of which one will be named in due course – and a late short corner conversion of their own, we managed to hold out to secure an important 2-1 win not only for us, but for the club.

Special mention this week must go to Richard for his excellent reverse strike that did not receive the acclaim from his team it warranted, so it is only fair to spend the time to do so now. MoM this time was closely fought between Rohan (for his phenomenal work going forward, connecting through midfield) and the eventual winner, Tom, who won the vote by 1, and was very well-deserved. From the first minute to the last, he did not stop running and putting in an incredible work rate, as well as being a constant danger in attack. Well played indeed Tom. DoD this week found its way to the primary instigator of the nervous last 10 minutes we played in, myself. With a relatively decent game for most of the match, it was as much a shock to myself as it was to everyone else, for me to compromise our control of the ball, not once, nor twice, but three times in the same defensive position, and with one that led to a short corner.
Second game done, and still unbeaten. The Loughts Men’s 4s move to 4 points from the first two matches of the season, and maintain the club’s unbeaten start to life with a new Pitch 1. Next week we travel to play Waltham Forest at the Lee Valley Stadium, looking to extend our unbeaten run further still. Well done all.

Signing off,
Ryan

Men’s 4s Season Stats:
Goals scored: 3
Goals conceded: 1
Clean sheets: 0
Penalty Corner Conversion Rate: 1/12 (8.33%)
Goalscorers: Connor, Richard, Rohan
Assists: Richard, Rohan.
MoM: Sam, Tom
DoD: Richard, Ryan