Match report March 3 2012

A mixed weekend with draws for the 1st and 2nd XIs and defeats for the 3rd XI and Ladies. The Barnstormers had a hard-fought 2-2 draw with a chippy East Grinstead but the Hamstrings were hammered 13-0 at Maidenhead, our worst result in living memory

1st XI 3-3 Barnes
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Another disappointing result that sees us slip further back in the table. All rather frustrating after a superb start to the game with our taking a 2 goal lead in the first 20 minutes. The first was a great Gavin finish following a slick move and the second a gift as a Knapp trickle somehow rolled over the line - just.

After that we disappeared for 40 minutes playing one dimensional hockey and gifting the opposition 2 goals and, to cap it all, going 3 - 2 down when sloppy marking allowed a swift shot from the top of the D from the Barnes centre half that rattled the back boards. In between times we had received 3 yellow cards and Barnes 2, all of which were correctly given albeit the recipients feeling hard done by. To be frank the decisions were those that would be given higher up and so we need to get used to being umpired properly. The Barnes third goal came when we were down to 9 but our extra man at the death enabled us to score an equalizer with another top finish from Gavin and then with 30 seconds to go had the chance to win the game but could not convert.

If the truth be known, fitness cost us even though having 2 subs along with the predeliction of long balls to the left and into the D seeing our centre midfield bypassed and the open acres on the right rarely used. The fears expressed four weeks ago are beginning to look very prophetic.

Epsom 2-0 Ladies

Wanderers 1-1 2nd XI

3rd XI 3-5 Goan
A match where we started strongly, levelled after going 1-3 down and then threw the game away with some poor defending. Goan were, as always, highly skilful but prone to imploding, and after weathering a good start from us they moved the ball around well to ease into a comfortable lead. They then lost their best player to a yellow card for a flailing hand, and that allowed us back into the game. But having done the hard work, we then fell apart at the back, allowing Goan far too much room and paid the penalty, despite some strong defensive play from Ollie and Rob Crumby and some great diving saves from Matt Olley. School report would read : inconsistent with some promising signs of improvement - needs to concentrate more in exams!
Barnstormers 2-2 East Grinstead
A hard and highly entertaining match which either side had enough chances to win but where a draw was a fair result. The visitors moved the ball around well but were largely undone by the incessant bellyaching of their No. 17 which annoyed the umpires and his own side in equal measure.