With the team thoroughly refreshed after a 2-week break, the Loughts Men's 4s returned to action this week to face a Bengal Tigers side who had had suffered a surprise home defeat against Witham 2s last time out. Not letting this distract us from our own task at hand, we were as keen as ever to keep our remarkable unbeaten run alive for yet another week.

Although we had not faced this Tigers side before, we were aware that the match might be a rather different entity to our previous outing and Captain Rob made sure we remembered this in the pre-match team talk. With the pleasantries all taken care of, it was soon time to switch on and focus as the first whistle was blown.

Now, having started slowly against Forest, we did start better today, but unfortunately found ourselves in the same position within the first 2 minutes. This time, an early Tigers attack was worked down our left and the ball was played across to a Headlam rear-guard that blocked each other far more than the ball coming across, and so gifted a guilt-edged chance for the Tiger's attacker to slot home. 0-1 after 2 mins, not the best of starts.

However, as has been our strength this season, we only grew stronger as the game went on and created some great openings as we went searching for a goal to get back on level terms before the half came to end. Just past the 20 minute mark of the match, we succeeded in this quest, and drew level through a well-worked short corner routine, slotted home expertly by Dan for his second goal of the season.

Halftime soon arrived and offered the team a chance to catch our breath after a rather frantic couple of minutes of defending just before the break. Although, Richard was sure to encourage us that we were the better team, and there were plenty more goals out there for the taking. As it would turn out, only 1 was needed to take all 3 points today.

Though the second half gave both teams good openings, we always felt more in control of the match, and keeper Will (very kindly offering his services back from uni this week) rarely saw the ball near his goal. Of such, as an hour ticked by, our chance to stretch into the lead arose from yet another short corner. And, just as before, our own very own magician, Dan, slotted home once more to the complete joy of the team and a baying home crowd. 2-1. Something to defend now.

The rest of the match saw a ferocious defence of our lead from the whole team, and aside for a couple of attacks, we managed to contain the wounded Tigers threat all the way to the 70th minute and the final whistle.

MoM this week went to Sam K who joined us from the 3s today and was integral in moving the team up the pitch and creating plenty of chances for himself and others. Thank you for your services Sam. DoD this week went jointly to Chris and Will for their family edition of Total Wipeout in the lead-up to the away team's only goal today. Apologies both, maybe next year you may win £250 from Mr Harry Hill. Anyway, moving on. Special mention this week goes first to Zak for his calmness in the face of a, well let's say, strong challenge, before walking away from any further confrontation with the upmost nonchalance. Next to Mike who found himself in the wars once again following a contest for the ball. We all hope he is able to bounce back again this week. And finally, to Dan, not only for his brilliantly taken goals today, but also for his admirable attempt to get me a birthday goal in the last play of action today - whilst also getting wiped out in the process. As the final whistle blew, and the game was already won, we had one final short corner routine to execute and I took the chance to ask Dan to send it to the back post for me to redirect in. Unfortunately for me though, I completely overran this plan and watched the ball pass me by to finish the match. Although, I would also like to point out that Captain Rob outrageously nominated me for DoD for this very action - unbelievable!

Nevertheless, Matchweek 5 of the season sees the Loughts Men's 4s extend their incredible unbeaten run to 28 matches now, with another trip to Upminster up next for the team. With another tricky test successfully passed this week, let's hope we can keep our losses column empty for another week's East League's update. Very well done all.

Signing off,
Ryan

Men's 4s Season Stats:
Position: 2nd
Points:10/12
Goals scored:8
Goals conceded:5
Clean sheets:0
Penalty Corner Conversion Rate:3/20 (15%)
Goalscorers: Dan 3, Richard 2, Connor, Rohan, Ryan
Assists (incomplete): Richard, Connor, Jordan, Zak
MoM:Sam, Tom, Richard, Sam K
DoD:Chris 2, Richard, Ryan, Will