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OPPOSITION |
Harpenden
3 Away Astro L 3-1 Owen Hughes |
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Match report by Chris Edwards... STAYIN' UP , STAYIN' UP , STAYIN' UP!!!!!!!!!!! Another day... another spirited performance - yes I am aware that it was another defeat, but the boys were yet again superb in so many ways. When we turned up - it appeared that we were not all as we should be, with our skipper injured, no keeper and no Spencer Randon who I believed was available. So with no fewer than 6 new/occasional players we took on the might of Harpenden who were for all to see an impressive team with rolling subs as good if not better than those they replaced. For 10-15 minutes Bar matched Harpenden for territory and effort and were given the best possible start when Owen scored after 7 mins to put Bar ahead, thanks mainly to their keeper falling over the ball - nevertheless on target and a good position taken by 'The O'. Cue Harpenden waking up and applying pressure which only in brief periods was relieved for the rest of the game. Our midfield was the most short in strength and experience on the day and as a result the back four was under enormous pressure, and accepted the challenge with great aplomb. Harpenden however, pressed strongly and knocked in 2 goals before half-time to lead 2-1 despite several good saves by Matt - the 'virgin' keeper who considering this was excellent throughout - and another find this season as we have had 6 people between the sticks so far.. anybody else up for it? So great work Matt...well done. Harpenden came at us again from the restart and but for the great efforts of Paul and Owen (who played most of the game with a fractured thumb!) would have had more chances - but another short corner produced another goal - 3-1 to Harpenden. Constant pressure produced mammoth defensive performances from Howard and Rob especially (it was Rob's first ever game of hockey!) - fantastic to see guys. Cliff was as reliable as ever together with the weak link- Shag! David Fennell (the trendy vegetable!) improving yet again took some of the attack on the break to Harpenden as did both Paul Brady and O. Unfortunately Liam Frame who was guesting appeared to pick up an injury which only added to the problems causing Adam reverted to midfield with good spirit. All things considered, if we were to show the same spirit with some of our more experienced players available I believe a very different result in Bar's favour would have been the outcome. Come back soon everyone - and don't get injured you soft southern shandy drinkers (that's tempting fate - or what?) In conclusion a very creditable performance by an under strength side against a very strong team - lots to be positive about - MOM... Howard Lancaster. ----------------------------------- Team: Matt Williams,
Howard Lancaster, Cliff Hawkins, Rob, Chris Edwards, Paul Brady (Capt),
Owen Hughes, Adam Pigden, Liam Frame, David Fennell, Richard Wells ----------------------------------- |
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