Match Reports
16/12/06
Horsham 0-2 Men's Veterans XI
SOLID TEAM PERFORMANCE ROUNDS OFF 2006
The Brighton Veterans' defence has looked a bit shaky in recent weeks but re-discovered their form in the weekend's game at Horsham. Cameron Heath was the pick of the back four that protected Pete Ashdown's goal (if not his helmet)for the fifth clean sheet this season.
With the ever-present threat of a half-time shower Brighton started the game briskly and moved the ball smartly round the somewhat bobbly pitch. New recruit James Jephcott saw plenty of ball as the midfield combined well to create a plethora of attacking moves. Horsham packed the defence and it looked likely that the game would be goal-less at half time until Tim Ireland wove a bit of magic from the left to round the 'keeper and slot the ball past the two defenders on the line.
After the turn-round Brighton won a short corner and Adrian Adams shot was frankly, unstoppable. With the result now assured the game drifted slightly. The boy Carlo discovered that Vets hockey means pulled hamstrings and retreated to the safety of the sidelines. Plenty of running from Steve Tinson and Andy Wood kept Horsham's attacks at bay but it was the overall team performance that stood out. This was not the Veterans' best hockey by any stretch of the imagination but it was arguably their best display of teamwork.
A final note of thanks for the umpires - this was a well controlled game played in good spirit.
With six wins out of ten league games Brighton can reflect on a satisfactory first half of the season and look forward to improving on this in the New Year.