After a change of venues, traffic chaos on the M11 and the diversion, our keeper going to the wrong club (luckily only 5mins away- ) push back was delayed (thank you to Cambs South for delaying the start to allow for our keeper to get dressed) finally saw us start the match in bright but chilly sunshine. We knew they would be a hard test as their results of late showed.
It was a good battle for the first 20min, with the teams well match in terms of youth and experience, a short for us came to nothing. A scramble in front of our goal saw Justin clear off the line to keep it nil-nil. Martin then hobbled off, first game back after an injury layoff, but maybe came back to soon – we’ve all been there. A quick rejig then a short for Cambs saw a 5 min delay whilst Nate had to take his pads off and redo his shoe laces. Short was dealt well by the defensive unit. Similar story for the rest of the half.
After the break, the midfield were tireless in their running and chasing, with Oscar and Dani being at their tackling best (Dani slightly less orthodox but still very effective!) Their keeper 12yr old first senior match, made a good save from Doug. Shorts at either end came to nothing. What would it take to break this deadlock……
Well it would take a moment of magic and a winner for goal of the season. A great tackle on the edge of out D by Oscar saw him come out with the ball and set off down the right side of the pitch, evading player after player dribbled all the way up to the opposite D and cutting in along the byline, and still managed to slot it home passed the keeper. So the answer to the tag line “And the Oscar goes to…..Oscar of course.” What a performance.
The rest of the half saw could have been classed as short corner practice. We had a couple to no avail, and had to defend several. In the end our defensive unit kept them all out and the number 1 and 2 managed to incept 5.
With seconds remaining the umpire green carded one of the Cambs youngsters for repeat infringement on our free hits, (in our 23) correct but harsh
Final whistle blew, another great game of hockey and a win, and a clean sheet.

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Captain’s thoughts – With the end of the season coming up, and the awards, it is great to have the problem of so many players putting in great performances throughout the season and in particularly the improvement through the season in the youngsters who have stepped out the
Player of the Match – Oscar – Worthy man of the match without the goal with his constant energy in midfield.
D0D – Nate – turning up late having gone to the wrong ground, having to re-dress during the middle of the game.
Champagne moment – Only one option, Oscar winning the ball at the edge of our D, running the length of pitch evading tackle after tackle like a downhill skier, and curling home from a very acute angle.
Captain’s mention – Thanks to Andy S, stepping up from the 5s at the last moment to replace a last minute withdrawal through sickness. (just as well with Martin injury)