OPPOSITION	MBDA 1st XI
VENUE	Home
DATE	08-03-2008
RESULT	Drew 1-1

MBDA hit back after a late Bar goal to force a draw. This and other results mean Bar are officially promoted.

After dominating play for the entire match, Bar eventually broke through against a resolute MBDA (formerly British Aerospace). However MBDA scored straight from the restart to earn a draw, the first of the season for Potters Bar.

The game started well for the NE14HOCKEY East League Division Six South West leaders Potters Bar, immediately asserting their dominance over struggling MBDA. A free hit from Ed Newbery early on was deflected by Andy Stokes and heading towards the corner of the goal before the MBDA goalkeeper stuck out a foot and turned it wide.

MBDA were sticking to their game plan as in the earlier meeting between these sides in November when Bar surprisingly lost, getting numbers behind the ball and hassling Bar into making mistakes. However chances were coming and a goal for Bar seemed inevitable.

From a short corner, another chance fell to Stokes after a good cross again from Newbery. However, with the goalkeeper beaten, Stokes couldn't get enough of a stick on the ball to help it in.

In the second half Bar pushed up even more towards the MBDA goal yet still couldn't make their possession count. Mark Turpin began to take control in and around the circle and went close more than once, with the goalkeeper's helmet saving MBDA on one occasion and the post denying him on another.

With about 5 minutes to go, the ball found its way into the D and Andy Latham, under pressure from defenders and goalkeeper kept his composure and finished well over the diving goalkeeper high into the net. He was then engulfed by the other Bar players in celebration.

But the joy did not last long. Straight from the ensuing push-back, MBDA pushed forward in numbers and within a matter of seconds won a short corner. As he had all afternoon, captain Paul Brady was quickly out to block the initial shot. However the ball richoceted towards goal and was turned in underneath keeper Jonny Weller.

Bar were heartbroken but nonetheless a crucial one point closer towards winning the division which now seems inevitable. The league website confirms that Bar are now certain to be promoted this season.

A special mention must go to Rob Donoghue who despite being injured in the first half with a nasty cut to the chin, came back on in the second half and put in a determined, fiery performance to break up a number of MBDA counter attacks.

See the Welwyn & Hatfield Times article.

Team:

Jonny Weller, Rob Donoghue, Tim Bye, Chris Chittleborough, Owen Hughes, Ed Newbery, Paul Brady,
Chris Wood, Mark Turpin, Andy Stokes, Andy Latham, Dave Ensor, Jon Yates

Umpire: Alan Field

Goal scorers:

Andy Latham