Someone just give us a game!
Can’t believe I’m saying it again but yes another cancellation of our league game (fourth of the year, and third on the bounce)). This time we were prepared (well we should be as it’s happening with increasing frequency), with an inkling that Wisbech would concede, Barry had managed to secure a game against Bourne Deeping who were due to play March Development team who have already withdrawn from the league. Due to Bourne’s numbers they needed to play at home so that a couple of the 3s (who were playing our 3s) could play to make the numbers up. This was fine by us as we just wanted to play, and that’s what you want from a friendly i.e a hard game in which you can try a few things and look to see how players cope.
Having just witnessed our 3s overturn from being 2 down to win 3:2, we knew that the several players staying on to play us would be looking for revenge.
The game itself was a good competitive game played in the correct spirit. With the first half seeing a couple of short corners at either end all of which were defended well, and a few attack were snuffed out by their 3s player (later to find out 1 or 2 of them were playing the 1s game after!) Something for coaches to work on on a Thursday - don’t dribble straight into the defenders.
A bit of a rejig at half time, saw myself step back into defence due to injury (should have just finished my game there and then, when will I ever learn), Stu P then had the licence to roam up front, which nearly paid off when was left one on one with the keeper and unfortunately couldn’t beat the keeper. Sam went close, half the team were celebrating as although it sounded like the back board it had actually hit the post. Goals scoring is a bit of an issue for us this season.
I tried my best to gift the opposition a goal by dawdling on ball near our goal line, losing it and luckily for me and the team, Darren was alert enough to pad it clear with a out stretched arm. Great save. Not bad when he hadn’t had a great deal to do all game.
There were great performances across the field, too many to mention them all but a few do need a mention (all got votes for Man of Match), Oscar, Stu P, Tom S and Stan, tireless energy in both defence and attack. Also to Justin leading the defence in his normal calm and assured manner, often a role that goes under the radar.
The game finished 0:0, so we remain unbeaten all season (preseason, league and friendlies) and another clean sheet, but our Achillies heel remains scoring. (despite the plus 25 goal difference mostly curtesy of our main striker C.Onceded)
Again a big thank you to Bourne Deeping for putting a team together and hosting. Ironically see you again next week Bourne for our league game.
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Captain’s thoughts – Injuries – We’ve all been there, particularly the more senior players, you have a niggle but play, the niggle gets worse through the game you should know better but play on, it becomes painful, you should know better but play on. You’re then out for a few weeks. If only you listened to your body and did the sensible thing and come off, your recovery time would be a lot less, and your captain will be more thankful, although in this instance it’s the captain who was stupid and played on! Take heed youngsters, look after your body, don’t play injured, let your captain know if you have an issue, and don’t play on if injured. Everyone knows how grumpy hockey players get when they can’t play, as I will prove in the next couple of weeks from the sidelines.
Player of the Match – Stan – moved into a new position of midfield, calm on the ball, mature in his choices of passing and always an attacking threat.
D0D – A battle of the Stu’s, Stu P for his miss when one on one with the keeper, and me for nearly gifting them a goal by taking too long on a clearance only to have my blushes saved by Darren out stretched pad . So Captain’ s choice was myself! (couldn’t give it to Stu P who had literally covered every blade of astro)
Champagne moment – Having just told off a couple of youngest for not paying attention to the team talk and watching the 3s game, then myself getting completely distracted (and getting caught doing so!) watching the 3s winning goal whilst midway explain our press. Guilty as charged.
Captain’s mention – A really big thank you to the following our fixture secretary, Barry Coe, for getting us a game again, Bourne for agreeing to play, getting a team together and hosting, Darren, Teo, Justin and Tom S for doubling up so we could get a game on as could the 5s.