Redemption comes as the Mens 1st XI start their new season.
The Mens 1st XI started with a strong 3-1 victory over a previous "bogey team" having lost to them 6-0 in the same fixture last season. Fortunately, this year from the first whistle there was a purpose and composure about the team, retaining possession and playing the "flair" hockey that would make the coach proud. Apparently a honeymoon is a valid excuse for missing the first game of the season....
At any rate, the pressure put on Leominster paid off as the first goal (and early potential goal of the season candidate) was scored by Charlie Williams picking up the ball from Ed Ledger at the back, driving passed 3 players to the top of the D and a reverse hit fisnish to the top left corner. In the words of our newest recruit, Ben "Mouse" Darlow-Jones, a superb finish to kick off the year. In the supremacy, we then thought that we had won a p-flick from a short corner as Christian Elvidge had his shot stopped by a defenders foot on the line, but alas the whistle did not come.
More chances came after this but, unfortunately, despite a disciplined defensive display, Leominster did equalise with some questionable control by the forward, as he struggled to remember the correct side of the stick to use. Going into half-time it was 1-1, but to our mind not fair reflection of the game.
Following a typically inspiring team talk from Captain, Ed Ledger, the second half progressed much like the first. Leominster were restricted to the long ball and aerial approach, while the team held firm and patiently built from the back. Then with another forceful drive from Charlie Williams down the left hand side and low hard cross on his reverse, Tom Seager managed to get his finish passed the keeper for a 2-1 lead, and this was quickly followed by another goal from his brother, Jake, to take the game clear to 3-1. Although we continued to push for a 4th, this was how the game ended.
A great opener for the season, ahead of another away trip next week, this time to Swansea!
Man of the Match: Charlie Williams
Written by D.O.D: Daniel Ott, who needs to take his own advice about disciplined tackles it seems....