Following a formidable victory away at Thurrock last time out, the Loughts Men’s 4s suited up to face league leaders Southend in a titanic top-of-table clash to bring the first half of fixtures to an end.

With the prize of first heading into the second half of the season on the line, there was already as much motivation as anyone in the team needed to perform well once more. Captain Rob, in this regard, made sure to remind us all of the hard work we had done to get into this position in the first place.

Following the first whistle of the day, the match was underway and we set off quickly in search of a first goal. Knowing that the away side may make the most from any counter or short corner opportunity, we made sure win the ball back quickly in defence, and set off on a quick counter attack ourselves. With a high press working well to apply pressure on the Southend backline, and gifting us possession and the chance to drive forward, the breakthrough soon arrived through a powerful drive and near-post finish by Tom, getting his second of the season. 1-0. Just what we deserved.

Not wanting to relent in our pressure or give up this well-earnt lead, we continued to work hard to close down any Southend attack, and maintained our intensity on and off the ball. In fact, this helped us gain a 2-goal advantage just before the half hour mark. This time, with the chilling relatively stationary with the opposition’s centre half, I saw an opportunity and charged straight towards it, managing to nick the ball away and soon found myself in a 1-on-1 with the away keeper. Somehow managing to keep the ball (and my balance) going round the keeper, I planted the ball home to grab my very own second of the season. 2-0. In control.

Halftime soon arrived and provided time for the team to catch their breath after a brilliant first half display. It was firmly in the minds of each player to continue this level of performance, as the opposition were sure to come out fighting. And, so this transpired – nearly.

After creating more attacking opportunities of their own, the team from the coast soon pulled a goal back from a short corner move just before the hour mark in the match. 2-1. This game still had to be won.

One thing that this team has been accustomed to doing in recent months, is closing out tough matches, and more often than not, coming away from these encounters with maximum points. Not to want to buck this trend, the team dug in and pushed for that all-important third goal. It was not to be today, but what was for sure, as the final whistle was blown, was that we had won, and in the process, we were now table toppers!

MoM this week went to Aaron who stepped up from the 6s today, and put in a performance of maturity beyond his years, showing everyone the skills and commitment that will be sure to take him far in years to come. Very well-done Aaron. DoD this week, perhaps unsurprisingly at this point, went to myself. Despite scoring, I managed to win this particular prestigious title for continuing to plead my case at every opportunity during and after the match – sorry Mark! Special mentions this week must go to our very own Dynamic Duo of Connor and Rob who both put in another solid performance across the back line, as well as in midfield today. A shout out to the returning Rich H and Fergus to the side, offering that youthful dynamism going up and down the pitch all afternoon.

Match week 11 sees the Loughts Men’s 4s put in a title-winning performance to beat Southend and finish the first half of the season in position number 1! What a triumph for everyone involved with the side, and with a final match before the Christmas break at home once more against Upminster 2s to come next week, hopefully we can finish on a high for 2025. Very well done all!

Signing off,
Ryan

Men’s 4s Season Stats:
Position: 1st
Points: 21/30
Goals scored: 21
Goals conceded: 11
Clean sheets: 2
Penalty Corner Conversion Rate (roughly): 5/40 (12.5%)
Goal scorers: Dan and Leo 3, Richard and Sam K and Mike and Jordan and Tom and Ryan 2, Connor, Rohan, Sam
MoM: Tom 2, Sam, Richard, Sam K, Harrison, Chris, Percy, Aaron
DoD: Ryan 3, Chris 2, Richard, Will, Rob, Mike, JP