M's 2nd team secure draw

For the second week running, we played in atrocious conditions - heavy rain and a driving wind. We had a squad of 12, and Chris tried out a new formation:- 4-5-1. So we had Stuart in goal, a venerable back four of Hugh, Simon, Peter and Tony, and five in midfield, where we rotated Mike, Alex, Abdul, Liam, Paul and Robbie. Chris was our lone striker. The plan was to have more width in midfield- and it worked.

In spite of the weather, both sides played skilful, attacking, hockey. We had the majority of the scoring chances, and deservedly took the lead after 20 minutes through Chris' powerful hit. Other chances were well saved by their keeper, who played well. The first half ended with us having an attacking penalty corner but, in spite of pouring players forward, we weren't able to convert it.

Our half time team talk reflected the success of our new formation. The second half saw Stuart progressively more involved, and making some good saves, but the better chances fell to Horley. On at least two occasions we were attacking in their D, with only their keeper to beat, but he managed to thwart our best endeavours. As the final whistle approached, Addiscombe attacked and, under pressure, Peter hit the ball off the pitch, behind the goal. The opposing umpire cruelly awarded a penalty corner and, seconds later, the final whistle blew. Addiscombe's first two shots from the PC were stopped and cleared, but not out of the D. At the third attempt, a powerful shot blasted through a crowd of players and into our goal. A game which we deserved to win.