Match reports - November 17, 2007
Bank of England 4 1st XI 3 Arguably our season’s ambition of promotion after last year’s monumental disappointment is all but over. I suppose 13 wins out of the last 14 matches will be sufficient to claim a play off place but that is a tall order. Ironically but for the first shocking 10 minutes we played as well for the last 50 or so minutes as we have done all season but the first 10 minutes were probably the worst.
On a slippery but fast pitch and following the best training session of the year including an effective short corner with Simon Bray at the helm there was an air of confidence about us as we prepared for the game. The first set back was the non appearance of Simon who although possibly carrying an injury would have been effective with clever use of the substitution rule. We knew that Bank of England would prove a stern test as they have a spine of quality players and gave us two real tests last season – one win each. We had to get off to a good start and in the first eight minutes created three chances, two flashing just past the post and one falling to Gavin which should have been converted. Bank used their experience well, played the ball around at the back, drew us up and caught us on the break. The first short corner in the second minute resulted in a stroke, Nigel making a good save but Bank showing the benefit of having the natural ability to put pace on the ball being sent goal ward when the ball was loose in the D resulting in a foot on the line. The ensuing eight minutes resulted in the mole hill being converted into a mountain as two horrendous passes out of defence when not under pressure gave Bank the chance to extend their lead to a comfortable three goals. The third goal was the pick of the bunch as a strong run from just outside the 25 was finished off with a crisp shot inside the far post.
From this point onwards the traffic was all one way. Nick Lewis slotted home a chance created by Bank’s misplaced pass and the first 10 minutes of the second half saw Mark Smith and Gavin level the scores again with the help of poor defending. We continued to press, won 4 short corners and it seemed as if there would only be one winner. Sadly for us Bank broke away again and took the lead 10 minutes from the end a lead that they did not relinquish. We did show character with Rippers, Gavin, Eds, Smudger, Cookey and Nick Lewis all going close and testing the opposition’s defence but we were somewhat profligate with the chances that presented themselves.
There were positives from this match in the shape of Rippers and Cato combining together in the most effective way they have done all season with both having their best games of the year and running the last 50 minutes of the match. CB did little wrong and Nick and Eds ran themselves into the ground to stop the Bank’s attacks down their right.
Bank were very gracious in victory and conceded that they were fortuitous to take away the 3 points but all said and done the quality of their forwards and attacking midfield players was evident in the way they put away four out of five chances whilst we converted three from a much larger number of chances. Other than one bad looking stick tackle by Bank – that was more of a desperate attempt to try and force home a semi loose ball in the D – a pacy game was well umpired with both sides being allowed to play their hockey. The last few weeks have certainly seen a much higher and consistently good level of umpiring than we have seen for a number of years. David Knapp
Wimbledon 1 Ladies 3 We arrived in plenty of time for the game, which gave us the opportunity to implement the '4 Key Elements', which make us winners.
1. Discuss our tactics and pitch formation
2. Plan our strategy
3. Visualisation of success
4. Yoga
The first half was mainly spent on building ourselves up for the second half. We had some great running into space and some even better passing from the midfield. The defence kept their heads under pressure and we were switching the ball around in a way Wimbledon could only dream of. (Key Element Number 1 was no longer just pre-match theory). Half time came and it was 0-0, we has some positive words from coach Duncan and we were ready to go again.
The second half was all about Team OC's - we dominated! It was only two minutes into play and Sarah had found the back of the net! All the preparation we had done in the first half was now coming together like a big hockey fantasy. We need to keep the momentum going, letting the pressure drop off now was not an option and so we let Wimbledon score. This was all part of our strategy (Key Element Number 2), Wimbledon thought they were back in the game but due to (Key Element Number 3) it was a short-lived thought. As we knew we would, we score again. This time the goal came after lots of battling from everyone and eventually May smashed it home. There were lots more attempts on goal from Nikki, Vikki and Dora but is was May who had been focusing particularly hard during Key Element Number 3 and so she scored her second of the game, (let this be an example to all of us.) The final whistle blew and it was three points in the bag! Everyone played exceptionally well and due to Key Element Number 4 no injuries were picked up. Bring on Corydon! Nina Sutton
Addiscombe 1 3rd XI 2 We clocked another three points in a gritty 2-1 win over Addiscombe. Had we lost we would have been bottom, had they won they would have been equal top. As it is, we are next to each other in seventh and eighth, so tight is the league. Playing at Croydon High School, which is still in the arse end of nowhere, we welcomed Chris Bents to the team hoping that by halving the average age of the team would be inspiration.
The game started with some stronger pressure on Addiscombe and a fairly open game developed. As things started to play out, it became apparent that Addiscombe's two young central midfielders were the play makers. A still unfit Armitage and Bruce initially held the centre with some difficulty although a structural change moving Chris into the centre started to neutralise their impact slightly. Short corners went both ways although a returning Dan Knowles defended admirably and nothing came from them. Addiscombe however were first to score with one of their youngsters turning and releasing a shot from the top of the D that defied several laws of physics bounced off and then around Nigel H to stutter into the bottom right corner.
Jock and Stu held court in the central defence and with Tim Judd, gave a strong structure and composure to the team. A momentary break through came from a short corner where Armo dribbled through three players into the D and upon an advancing keeper, slipped the ball to Dave L on the P spot who even as he unleashed his slap at the open goal cried out "not again" as the ball flew harmlessly wide of the left post. The breakthrough actually came from a short corner that CD miss-hit to Bruce who drifted to the right and fired in to draw the game level on the end of half whistle.
A tactical change of 4-5-1 started in the second half however after five minutes this was abandoned as it became obvious we were absorbing more pressure. Stu held the defence in strong structure and Bruce proved of danger advancing up the right flank. Strong marking and good tackles started to control the game to our advantage and although an ever present young midfield kept our defensive ability busy, we started to get an upper hand on the game. Several short corners occurred and although not fortunate enough to score, proved threatening. Chris, CD and Dave L all were linking up nicely up the left flank and pressure from Preston started to show as we started to become more dominant in the game. Although Dave was unlucky not to score from a well delivered hit from Bruce the winning goal came from Preston off a muddled short corner where the central defender gave the ball to him and he released to open his account for the day.
The last four minutes showed our experience as we controlled the game and their hurry became the weakness as loose balls were easily picked up. Potentially a fair result would have been a draw but a well-fought game, if not a little gritty. Man of the Match, Mr Stu Steele, although Nigel Hawes was a close contender. James Armitage
On a slippery but fast pitch and following the best training session of the year including an effective short corner with Simon Bray at the helm there was an air of confidence about us as we prepared for the game. The first set back was the non appearance of Simon who although possibly carrying an injury would have been effective with clever use of the substitution rule. We knew that Bank of England would prove a stern test as they have a spine of quality players and gave us two real tests last season – one win each. We had to get off to a good start and in the first eight minutes created three chances, two flashing just past the post and one falling to Gavin which should have been converted. Bank used their experience well, played the ball around at the back, drew us up and caught us on the break. The first short corner in the second minute resulted in a stroke, Nigel making a good save but Bank showing the benefit of having the natural ability to put pace on the ball being sent goal ward when the ball was loose in the D resulting in a foot on the line. The ensuing eight minutes resulted in the mole hill being converted into a mountain as two horrendous passes out of defence when not under pressure gave Bank the chance to extend their lead to a comfortable three goals. The third goal was the pick of the bunch as a strong run from just outside the 25 was finished off with a crisp shot inside the far post.
From this point onwards the traffic was all one way. Nick Lewis slotted home a chance created by Bank’s misplaced pass and the first 10 minutes of the second half saw Mark Smith and Gavin level the scores again with the help of poor defending. We continued to press, won 4 short corners and it seemed as if there would only be one winner. Sadly for us Bank broke away again and took the lead 10 minutes from the end a lead that they did not relinquish. We did show character with Rippers, Gavin, Eds, Smudger, Cookey and Nick Lewis all going close and testing the opposition’s defence but we were somewhat profligate with the chances that presented themselves.
There were positives from this match in the shape of Rippers and Cato combining together in the most effective way they have done all season with both having their best games of the year and running the last 50 minutes of the match. CB did little wrong and Nick and Eds ran themselves into the ground to stop the Bank’s attacks down their right.
Bank were very gracious in victory and conceded that they were fortuitous to take away the 3 points but all said and done the quality of their forwards and attacking midfield players was evident in the way they put away four out of five chances whilst we converted three from a much larger number of chances. Other than one bad looking stick tackle by Bank – that was more of a desperate attempt to try and force home a semi loose ball in the D – a pacy game was well umpired with both sides being allowed to play their hockey. The last few weeks have certainly seen a much higher and consistently good level of umpiring than we have seen for a number of years. David Knapp
Wimbledon 1 Ladies 3 We arrived in plenty of time for the game, which gave us the opportunity to implement the '4 Key Elements', which make us winners.
1. Discuss our tactics and pitch formation
2. Plan our strategy
3. Visualisation of success
4. Yoga
The first half was mainly spent on building ourselves up for the second half. We had some great running into space and some even better passing from the midfield. The defence kept their heads under pressure and we were switching the ball around in a way Wimbledon could only dream of. (Key Element Number 1 was no longer just pre-match theory). Half time came and it was 0-0, we has some positive words from coach Duncan and we were ready to go again.
The second half was all about Team OC's - we dominated! It was only two minutes into play and Sarah had found the back of the net! All the preparation we had done in the first half was now coming together like a big hockey fantasy. We need to keep the momentum going, letting the pressure drop off now was not an option and so we let Wimbledon score. This was all part of our strategy (Key Element Number 2), Wimbledon thought they were back in the game but due to (Key Element Number 3) it was a short-lived thought. As we knew we would, we score again. This time the goal came after lots of battling from everyone and eventually May smashed it home. There were lots more attempts on goal from Nikki, Vikki and Dora but is was May who had been focusing particularly hard during Key Element Number 3 and so she scored her second of the game, (let this be an example to all of us.) The final whistle blew and it was three points in the bag! Everyone played exceptionally well and due to Key Element Number 4 no injuries were picked up. Bring on Corydon! Nina Sutton
Addiscombe 1 3rd XI 2 We clocked another three points in a gritty 2-1 win over Addiscombe. Had we lost we would have been bottom, had they won they would have been equal top. As it is, we are next to each other in seventh and eighth, so tight is the league. Playing at Croydon High School, which is still in the arse end of nowhere, we welcomed Chris Bents to the team hoping that by halving the average age of the team would be inspiration.
The game started with some stronger pressure on Addiscombe and a fairly open game developed. As things started to play out, it became apparent that Addiscombe's two young central midfielders were the play makers. A still unfit Armitage and Bruce initially held the centre with some difficulty although a structural change moving Chris into the centre started to neutralise their impact slightly. Short corners went both ways although a returning Dan Knowles defended admirably and nothing came from them. Addiscombe however were first to score with one of their youngsters turning and releasing a shot from the top of the D that defied several laws of physics bounced off and then around Nigel H to stutter into the bottom right corner.
Jock and Stu held court in the central defence and with Tim Judd, gave a strong structure and composure to the team. A momentary break through came from a short corner where Armo dribbled through three players into the D and upon an advancing keeper, slipped the ball to Dave L on the P spot who even as he unleashed his slap at the open goal cried out "not again" as the ball flew harmlessly wide of the left post. The breakthrough actually came from a short corner that CD miss-hit to Bruce who drifted to the right and fired in to draw the game level on the end of half whistle.
A tactical change of 4-5-1 started in the second half however after five minutes this was abandoned as it became obvious we were absorbing more pressure. Stu held the defence in strong structure and Bruce proved of danger advancing up the right flank. Strong marking and good tackles started to control the game to our advantage and although an ever present young midfield kept our defensive ability busy, we started to get an upper hand on the game. Several short corners occurred and although not fortunate enough to score, proved threatening. Chris, CD and Dave L all were linking up nicely up the left flank and pressure from Preston started to show as we started to become more dominant in the game. Although Dave was unlucky not to score from a well delivered hit from Bruce the winning goal came from Preston off a muddled short corner where the central defender gave the ball to him and he released to open his account for the day.
The last four minutes showed our experience as we controlled the game and their hurry became the weakness as loose balls were easily picked up. Potentially a fair result would have been a draw but a well-fought game, if not a little gritty. Man of the Match, Mr Stu Steele, although Nigel Hawes was a close contender. James Armitage
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