Potters Bar 3’s – 1, Stevenage 6’s – 0
Saturday 5th December 2009

Normal service resumed as far as the weather was concerned with the Bar playing at least part of the game in the rain. The exciting sexy hockey which the 3’s massive is fast building a reputation for also helped to attract a record crowd at the Theatre of Dreams, also known as Dame Alice Owens astro pitch. No fewer than 18 spectators watched from the sidelines! Unfortunately the sexy hockey was in fairly short supply for this particular game, but more of this to follow...

The pre-match team talk focused on the need to convert chance in the D into goals. Speed, directness, simplifying shots and following up loose balls were all highlighted as being the key areas of focus on. The following report demonstrates that these were all duly ignored and the skipper is now open to other suggestions as how to make his team talks more effective: loudspeakers, PowerPoint presentations and cheerleader chants (complete with cheer leaders – whom James P has kindly offered to interview) are all currently being considered!

So first half, a summary: Bar had a lot of chances, Stevenage had less, Bar weren’t able to convert their chances, ditto Stevenage.

Half time team talk, a summary: convert chances, win game!

Whilst a more focused and determined Bar emerged in the second half there was still somewhat of the lack of urgency that had hung over the first half. Whilst the ball spent a lot of time in the Stevenage half they were getting a lot of players (many of them extremely experienced) behind the ball and generally read the game very well. Bar’s young side were becoming increasingly frustrated and heads were starting to drop.

Bar came very close on a number of occasions in particular a run from Alex Seeney, having beaten at least 3 Stevenage players in the D, after getting round the keeper he simply ran out of pitch before he could slot the ball into an otherwise open goal.

However, with less than four minutes to go Bar’s hard work and effort were justly rewarded with Alex’s hit from 3 metre out beating the Stevenage keeper. Cue mass celebrations from the 3’s and their loyal supporters.

In short, a poor game for Bar in fact probably the worst of the season so far. However, its been said that the mark of a good team is the ability to get a result despite playing badly, which is pretty much what Bar did. Anyway, another 3 points, confident performances from the juniors and now up to second in the table.