Match Reports
24/10/10
Lewes 0-5 Men's Veterans XI
A cup game against Lewes and a call from SM was enough to rouse a clutch of old stagers from the weekend papers and desert Island discs this Sunday and as the Vets team mustered under the low wintery sun on the SD top pitch it became clear that Brighton was, at the very least, going to give Lewes a run for their money. As expected, Lewes fielded a powerful side with a handful of talented and well know faces to the fore. After a convincing and well ordered summation of the team placement and tactics from skip, the scene was well and truly set for a cracking 70 minutes.
From the get-go all was as expected. Crisp, aggressive, sharp hockey from both sides and a series of early skirmishes at both ends of the pitch. It was soon to become clear however that whilst Brighton had a rock-solid defence and strong midfield that was to prove a match for Lewes’ advances, they also had an offensive line-up - led by Doc and Ben – that were going to tease out and reveal the weaknesses in the opposition’s defence. Before long a series of crosses made their way across goal and with this came a sense that this was a game for the taking.
This confidence was underscored after about 20 minutes when a goal-mouth flurry result in a sharp reaction from Don as the ball game free to the right of goal. A quick flick and despairing glance from a Lewes defender saw the ball safely into the back of the net. One up and more to come. The wind was in Brighton’s sails and good concentration and further pressure – typified by driving runs through the centre of the park from both Carlo and Graham and wide attacks down both flanks - saw the lead extended by a further goal as Ben added his name to the score sheet. Two down and Lewes began to show their frustration and backchat, snippy tackles and moaning about the umpiring began to emerge amongst the Lewes seniors.
The half time whistle game and an unhappy Lewes team grumbled their way to their goal amid complaints of poor umpiring and calls for justice; Lewes were up against it and were clearly discomforted by the position. Meanwhile, all was calm assurance in the Brighton huddle as SM urged more of the same for the second half. And more of the same is exactly what was to arrive.
The half started as strongly for Brighton as the first had finished and despite some strong attacks from Lewes there was no way past the blue and red defence. Before long an array of well constructed attacks led to a series of short corners, one of which was converted – another note on the score sheet for Ben Williams – and at three-up not only did victory begin to seem a reality, but the puff and bluster seemed to drain from Lewes.
More drama was to come however as the Lewes’ official took offence at some innocent backchat from Graham and despite protestation, or perhaps because of it, Brighton were down to ten men. This was not to upset the tempo and balance of the game however as Brighton managed to maintain their three goal advantage and authority throughout Graham’s enforced rest. GP returned to the field and within minutes Brighton were four and then five nil up with helpful and handy contributions from Doc and Carlo: both goals taken sweetly from the edge of the D.
As the minutes ticked away to full time Brighton began to enjoy the Sunday sunshine and despite losing a bit of shape and concentration were never likely to concede a goal. All in all a magnificent and well earned victory against the auld enemy and one that sets up a second round fixture in which there is likely to be no shortage of players wanted to make themselves available for selection: this is vets hockey to savour.
Thanks must go to Chris and Jolyon for taking the whistle in difficult circumstances, the various supporters cheering from the sidelines and Steve for taking the captain’s armband so effectively. Until next time...