Movement off the ball wins the day for HHC M2s

The day started badly for Horley with the news that their Captain, Chris Stevens had been forced to withdraw from the game due to illness. Jon Thompson was asked to step into his shoes for the game and promptly lost the toss, however he scored a psychological advantage by requesting a change of ends, allowing Horley their traditional starting position, and giving them the advantage of playing into a slightly higher sun than Addiscombe were forced to play into in the second half.

In a slightly unusual move their new goalkeeper Goldman was asked to play out-feild, allowing HHC to take advantage of the league rules regarding on-field players from higher teams being allowed to play in goal. Louis Kirkham stepped between the post and did them proud. Horley dominated the first ten minutes, camping out in the Addiscombe 23m area, but without converting chances. Addiscombe them made their way into the HHC half but were held short by the HHC defence which stayed solid for the entire match. Chances were had at both ends with Addiscombe securing a brace of short corners, and HHC having four of their own, but without convertion.

Goldman showed some unexpected stick skills and pace and Paul showed just how much his game has improved since starting to play a scant six months ago, with excellent ball control, vision and beating the Adddiscombe midfielders on a number of occasions. A welcome return for Joe gave pace to the HHC front line with him and Jon linking up well a number of times. Tony was omnipresent in midfield, harrassing the front line, defending solidly and acting as the pivot the team moved around. Abdul brought experience to the midfield, and had an extraordinary eye for the ball, stopping everything that acme near him no matter speed or height.

Deadlock was eventually broken when a piercing run by Adeel forced a save by the Addiscombe keeper which rebounded to Jon who drove it home. That took the teams to the half time break, with Horley feeling confident they had the measure of the Addiscombe team.

The second half brought new confidence for the HHC side, and some of the best hockey the author has ever seen them play. Movement off the ball, great vision, pinpoint passing and use of space all led to the HHC attacking line putting immense pressure on the Addiscombe defence. Defensively HHC were solid, with Arfan like an impassible wall. Tony in the midfield hit the net twice beating the Addiscombe goalie with deft touches. Joe added a fourth and with time waning along with the Addiscombe enthusiasm, HHC saw out the rest of the match for a comfortable win.