Summer Friendly - Staines H.C. 2 - 3 Ashford H.C
A warm dry evening (for once) welcomed the Ashford boys for our 3rd friendly of the summer against our local rivals.
The squad “looked” ready, with the usual complaints of ‘I’ve just had my dinner’ accompanying our warm-up and Coach
won the toss and decided to make Staines play into the setting sun. The start was a strange one as the Staines forward smashed the ball into the corner, fortunately going out for a 16. That set the tone for the first 10 minutes, Staines havingfar more territory with very little threat to Doggers goal. Our first couple of attacks saw a string of shorts with the red and blacks failing to convert.
Shortly afterwards Staines threatened and some decent interchange in our D led to a goal anda 1-0 lead for our rivals. As changes were made, Rhino entered the fray and before too long had created himself 2 oneon ones, which their keeper saved well. We were playing decent if not exceptional hockey but then - an injury scare, Podgewith an upper leg strain had to remove himself from the game, a reshuffle later and Ashford entered half-time at 0-1.
The talk was of more of the same please (only better), more ball speed and more movement and constructive chat. Charliechipped in nicely with some very constructive comments and motivational phrases. The rejigof the team saw Coach and John in the middle at the back with Dave and Peter either side, Charlie just in front, Fred left and Alexright, Das at the top of the diamond and Greenie and Blake up front. The half started well and Ashford mounted a real goal threat.
It wasn’t long however until Staines on their first real attack of the half got a short, which was to hit Big John’s foot on the line for a flick.
Here was the turning point of the game, Doggers saved the flick and within 15 minutes Ashford had turned a possible 2-0 deficit into a 3-1 lead. Fred playing major parts in a couple of the goals and having a hand in the other. The first was well finished by AlexBetts, the second from some good play around the D was scored again by Alex and our third was slipped in at the back post byDasmesh Sandhu.
Fantastic that 2 of our under 14’s from last season had played a major part in turning the game around. We shouldhave made it 4-1 when a Staines defender headed off the line (why no flick?), he really should have been able to get out of the way. WithAshford being Ashford we let Staines in with 3 mintutes to go although the ump missed at least 2 kicks before the ball was put in. Still, we held on and a good 3-2 win was earned and a very enjoyable, social and friendly game was had.
I do enjoy playing Staines, the boys over there are always accomodating and friendly and it’s great how we seem to always get the teamsnicely matched against each other for close games..
Coach
