Match Reports
04/10/08
Crowborough 2 2-3 Men's 5th XI
In the 5s first game of the season (we don’t do friendlies), it was understandable that there would be a few stray passes and misunderstandings whilst we got to know each other. One thing everyone was reminded of immediately was Scotty’s time keeping. In a bid to save the environment he decided to get a bus to the game and ended up 45 minutes late for the meet casually walking down the steps to the pitch just as the game started.
During the pre season the 5s had lost College to The Rocks, Dan Benson to the 3s and Will Selby to the 4s. The 5s had new look strike force with the Bens, Williams and Tranter leading the line. There was familiar look to the defence, albeit Chilvers filling in and there was the return of Cobley in midfield following his extended skiing holiday.
Now to the hockey, the first half was frantic affair, with end to end hockey. Once Scotty had arrived he took first blood, somehow knocking the ball over the line following good work from Josh and Ben Williams. I don’t think anyone was more surprised than Scotty for his poacher’s instinct (although Crowborough know all about Scotty’s scoring as he scored 4 and then missed a flick the last time the sides met).
Five minutes later it was 1-1 as Crowborough scored a good short corner from there captain. Half time 1-1.
Second half started in fiery fashion with Swampy and the Crowborough captain clashing. Their captain was their biggest threat up and Swampy and he were also the biggest threat to the umpires having a nice peaceful afternoon in the seaside sun.
Midway through the half Brighton took the lead again with a well taken short corner that Dickie cheekily pushed to bottom left corner out of the reach of the grasping keeper. Brighton then had a number of chances to take the lead particularly with Ben T particularly culpable. The killer touch eluded them until Ben W linked well with Josh and Ben T to score the goal of the game in the top left corner. The scoring was not over as Crowoborough pulled a goal back to create a frantic finish but Brighton held on for a hard fought 3-2 win. A good start to the season - who needs pre season friendlies!