On the back of a resounding victory against Bengal Tigers last time out, this week the Loughts Men’s 4s side faced another tricky assignment in the shape of an Upminster 3s side flying high (above their 2s, I should mention) this season.

Given that the team’s only defeat this term came against this particular foe, we knew today would not be a stroll in the park by any stretch of the imagination. Captain Rob made sure to focus our minds on this fact, as we looked to make it back-to-back wins for the first time this year.

We started the match on fire, applying pressure from the front, not giving the away side an easy way out. This offered up several opportunities for us to take the lead, and we duly obliged come 10 minutes in. After some tenacious play by our dynamic young forwards (including the returning Callum to the side today), we were awarded a penalty flick to break the deadlock. Looking to sweep away the demons from his last penalty spot stand-off, Mike stepped up to force his stroke through the flailing legs of the U’s keeper. 1-0. Good start.

Within 15 minutes we doubled our lead through some more slick play going forward. This time, I found myself in possession, and looked ahead, scanning for options. In the corner of my eye, I caught a glimpse of Sam Worthington (making a glorious return to the club after his departure a decade ago). I then managed to thread a ball through the middle of the pitch and past a few U’s sticks, to land in some space in the D. At this point, Sam came sweeping around from the right to deftly flick the ball past the onrushing keeper and into an empty net. 2-0. Building momentum.

The rest of the half saw the team control the match relatively well, until we were unfortunately pegged back within 25 minutes. However, as good teams always do, we responded in no time at all. Our third of the day came again through a building of pressure on the U’s goal, and eventually found its way to Aaron who gracefully lifted the ball high above the outstretched jump of the helpless away goalie, to drop into the net behind. Aaron’s first for the 4s this season! 3-1. HT. Some breathing space.

Captain Rob’s chat at the interval was rightfully directed towards how we were reacting to umpire calls. If we were to win this match, we only needed to let our skill and hard work do the talking.

The second half saw us continue to create good chances to extend our lead, but we weren’t quite able to find that killing touch again. As the game was nearing its conclusion, the away side grew in confidence as they went in search for another dent in our lead. And, as if served up by the genie from the lamp himself, they were able to miraculously draw level as the final whistle was blown. A tough result to take, given our commanding position with only a few minutes to play, though it is another point on the board.

MoM this week went almost unanimously to our newest star, Ely, who was making not only his debut in our great team today, but he was also making his first appearance in men’s hockey for the club. Commanding his area, flying to make saves, and smothering follow-up shots put on show his immense potential today, and I am sure he will have a very successful future between the sticks. A huge congratulations Ely, well done. DoD this week went to a returning crowd favourite (and by that I mean his Dad), Callum. Apart from running onto the pitch, all the way to the other side, before only then realising he had emerged empty-hand, I would say you had a very decent return performance Callum. A first special mention this week must go to Ollie after not even getting a MoM nod for his delightful aerial ball down the line to break the first line of the U’s press. And speaking of nods, I do think it is worth mentioning that I managed to get my fourth for the season as well today. If you swap in the rules regarding using your head from football into hockey, then my forehead deflection off of Jordan’s shot was as genius an improvisation as you will ever see. Only after making sure the ball went in the goal, did I then realise how bad my head felt – no sense, no feeling as Coach Chris would likely say!

Match week 15 sees the Loughts Men’s 4s earn a decent point after a difficult end to the match. Although, with other results going our way this week, we are still in the hunt for the title come the end of the season. Following next week’s break, we return to action away to a Havering side that have historically given us a tough match each year. Very well done all!

Signing off,
Ryan

Men’s 4s Season Stats:
Position: 2nd
Points: 30/45
Goals scored: 36
Clean sheets: 3
Goal scorers: Dan 8, Jordan 4, Leo and Ryan and Connor and Mike 3, Richard and Sam K. and Tom and Sam H. 2, Rohan and Fergus and Sam W. and Aaron 1
MoM (incomplete): Tom 2, Sam B., Richard, Sam K., Harrison, Chris, Percy, Aaron. Luke, Ely
DoD (incomplete): Ryan 3, Chris 2, Richard, Will, Rob, Mike, JP, Rich H, Callum