This Saturday saw the Loughts Men’s 3s return to the Lane after a devastatingly unlucky loss last week away at Chelmsford (apologies for my absence behind the typewriter for that one!), to play host for a Brentwood 1s side that had joined the league from above this season. With a win and loss to start our campaign, this was the perfect opportunity to lay down a marker to the rest of the league with a statement win against one of this year’s promotion challengers.

This ambition was the focus of the pre-match chat by myself and our player-coach Pricey, with this week’s changing room including a few familiar faces returning to the 3rd team. We were lucky enough to play with a strong squad of sixteen this week, and belief was high that we could put in a performance to earn another three points.

And so, as pushback came, the team went in search of returning to winning ways. The early exchanges saw both teams very much sizing each other up, and the ball was moved around by both sides, looking for that opening to exploit in attack. However, just after 10 minutes into the match, unfortunately first blood went to Brentwood with their first short corner routine of the match. 0-1. Needed to get back on track.

Now, despite this early set back, the team recovered well, moving the ball quickly round the back, and asking more questions of the away team’s defensive solidity. And, as 20 minutes ticked by, our hard work paid off twice in quick succession. First, we drew level following a decent attack that left the ball to be hit at the top of the D. Looking to get his account started for the season today, Sam K. was only delighted to oblige to that offer and smashed a rocket home. 1-1. Building nicely now, and soon we found ourselves ahead. This time, Pricey drove forward, and after some slick play, came face-to-face with the onrushing keeper. Though, instead of losing his concentration, he cooly lifted a ball across the face of goal to find the supporting Fred, who calmly slotted home to also kick off his goal tally for the season. 2-1. Deserved lead. HT.

The second half saw much a similar game develop, with both teams sitting tight in defence, and looking to counter fast and build up play through the spaces left in transition. As mentioned before, we had a new-look team this week, and there was plenty of quality on and off the ball on show from players new and old. One such move that exemplified the intensity that we were able to maintain all match would see us score our third of the contest. For goal number 3, the ball was worked out well down the right and picked up by Sam K. on the touchline. From this point onwards, it was classic centre forward play, as he drove towards and along the baseline (keeping the defender firmly out of reach), before then sliding the ball across goal for debutant Tomasz to fire home. 3-1.

The rest of the half saw Brentwood press to close the gap, but after withstanding this pressure and a few penalty corners, the team were soon celebrating their second victory of the season!

MoM this week saw at least 2+ votes go to 4 people. Fred received two as he continued his growth in confidence in the side, and Barney received three for some crucial saves to help us keep our advantage in the second half. And, at the top, it was a battle between the two Sam’s, as Sam K. edged out Sam Riley to win with five votes. Well done Sam(‘s)! DoD this week was a much more one-sided affair. Despite the fact that our very own manager was behind the whistle today (and at points was a bit blow-happy), and that Aaron gifted a free shot at goal within the opening 2 minutes of the match, this week’s award instead found its way to Christian, receiving his 5 votes for the only blemish on today’s performance – a green card!

So, after a blip last time out, the Men’s 3s return to winning ways with a brilliant win against a potential promotion challenger this season. Very well done all! Our attention now turns to a relatively close away trip to Waltham Forest. Let’s keep our foot down and build on today to go back-to-back!

As always, onwards and upwards.

Signing off,
Ryan