Match Reports
28/10/05
Middleton & Bognor 0-3 Men's Veterans XI
Finally the Vets managed to get their League season under way with a comfortable victory over a "young" M&B side. It was clear from the start that the Veterans intent to play simple hockey based on short passes delivered quickly to players running well off the ball was going to pay dividends. Time after time the Bognor defence was ripped asunder and it wasn't long before Tim Ireland scored the first goal converting Rob Scriven's cross after good approach play by Cameron Heath. Excellent work down the right produced a fierce cross (or was it a shot) from James Alexander which was ably despatched by Scrivens. Brighton now began to give a demonstration in how to tear a side apart with smart play from Andy Wood, David Martin, Heath and Guy Nelson creating all sorts of problems for the visitors. Further attacks produced a torrent of saves from the Bognor goalkeeper until Matt Ireland cleverly deflected his shot off a defender to take Brighton into a three goal lead at half time.
The second half was not quite so impressive as tiredness set into the older legs. However more chances were created and there could be no end of enquiries about how the lead was not extended. Brighton's discipline on defence was particularly reassuring with Nick Wells and John Spearman resolute at the back. Perhaps most encouraging was the way the attack minded players came back to help as weariness overwhelmed some of the midfield. Matt I, Scrivens and Mo King proving that fitness need only be a mental thing.