Having remained unbeaten over the last few weeks against top of the league opposition, this time
the task ahead of the Loughts Men’s 4s was a rather different proposition. Despite a very slow start
to the season, neighbours Redbridge & Ilford 1s had began finding some form in recent weeks. And
so, coming into this match, we would have been foolish to think we would be able to roll over a
bottom-of-the-table opposition.

This sentiment was very much pressed home to the team by Captain Rob in the build up to
pushback, and the side prepared with a good warm up to get in the right frame of mind to start well.
Now, with a later starting time this week of 4pm, the lights were on down the Lane, and the stage
was set for a renewal of a rivalry as old as time itself, to commence once more.

The match started rather evenly with both teams attempting to work each other out, and there
were not that many clear goalscoring opportunities created anywhere on the pitch. However, this
would all change within two quick minutes of action, as we soon found ourselves 2-0 as the clock
neared 30 minutes in. After a short corner had been dispatched first, the visitors were in dreamland
when there was a void of space left for their pacy forwards to drive into and eventually slot home to
double their advantage.

The rest of the half was very much a case of starting to claw back this deficit, but alas, this was to no
avail. Halftime soon came and provided a much-needed time to regroup and go again.
With the team playing with a renewed confidence, the game started to switch decisively in our
favour as we began to dominate the ball and push our opposition further back into their half.
Spending large periods of time camped in their defensive third and applying pressure high up the
field, our reward soon arrived by an unlikely source. With yet another short corner won, the ball
found its way to Mike, who forced it home, much in the same vein as the poacher he has started to
become in recent weeks (2 goals in 3 appearances now for our very own Magic Mike!). 2-1. Game
on.

As the minutes counted down, a derby defeat stared us all in the face, but we were not done. And as
we had done for over two seasons now, we continued to fight our way to the very, very last whistle.
With time up, and a final short corner routine to execute, the ball was sent to the top of the D and
found its way to a waiting Leo who fired the ball fast towards goal.
The Redbridge keeper attempted to get close, but could not get enough on the ball to keep it from
thundering its way past him, and sending the home crowd and players into delirium. 2-2! What a
way to finish a match!

MoM this week went to Chris for another strong defensive display, tackling expertly as always. Solid
as a rock Chris! DoD this week went to returning 4s legend, JP, for his rather underwhelming
attempts at two particular aerial “passes” (?) today, forcing myself and the rest of the defence into a
frantic scramble. And finally, a special mention this week must go to Callum he returned to the
squad, and admirably stepped up to take a penalty flick we won in the second half. Despite not
converting this, it should be made clear that he was the one player that offered to take the flick, and
that courage should be commended rather than undermined – well done Callum!

Matchweek 9 sees the Loughts Men’s 4s leave it late to share the spoils with the old enemy. Next up
we travel now as second in the league, and at a much earlier time to Thurrock, as the team looks to
continue their new unbeaten run of 3 matches. Very well done all!

Signing off,
Ryan

Men’s 4s Season Stats:
Position: 2 nd
Points: 15/24
Goals scored: 15
Goals scored: 7
Clean sheets: 2
Penalty Corner Conversion Rate (roughly): 4/36 (11%)
Goal scorers: Dan 3, Richard and Sam and Mike and Leo 2, Connor, Rohan, Ryan and Jordan.
MoM: Tom 2, Sam, Richard, Sam K, Harrison, Chris
DoD: Chris 2, Richard, Ryan, Will, Rob, Mike, JP