The Men’s 2s go marching on

Men’s 2ndXI 6-2 Loughborough Town 2ndXI

Goals: Scott Mahoney (2), Dan Rose, Alex Blunt, OG, Sam Mitchell.

Last Saturday, the air was crisp, the temperature above freezing and at least one pitch in the midlands was clear. Top of the league Saints 2s arrived at bottom of the league Loughborough Town with the full weight of the club’s expectation resting on their shoulders. They arrived to a shock as Chris Reid, famously a maverick with directions, was waiting for the team, and he was immediately touted as a potential DOTD. How things were to change! Cars successfully unloaded, inspirational skipper Dan Whittaker then proceeded to lock his keys in his own car, much to the amusement of the rest of the team. A swift call to the RAC later, and preparations for the match began.

Saints started the game slowly, with the bobbling water based pitch causing more trouble to the defence than it should have. However, Loughborough could not capitalise despite some extended pressure, and Saints grew into the match, slowly controlling the play more as the minutes went on. The visitors began to dominate possession, manipulating space, and a concerted spell of pressure led to the award of a penalty corner, which was expertly dispatched by Scott Mahoney, as he danced round two challenges before slotting the ball past a helpless keeper.

The hosts were on the back foot, and could not cope with the now dominant Saints. The swift passing continued, with Saints forwards creating space and moving the hapless defence all over the show. A speedy break led to a well worked goal for Dan Rose, and 2-0 Saints. The pressure continued, and a switch of play led to another penalty corner. A rebound from the keeper led to another well taken goal for Scott Mahoney. Saints defence was dominant by this point, with Ally Rose, Guy Roberts and Ben Northedge comfortably mopping up any tame attack the hosts could muster. As the half came to a close, Matt Gausden was relieved to hear the whistle for another penalty corner just as he tickled a meek effort wide. New recruit Andy Peters stepped out of the broom cupboard and to the top of the D, to slip the ball to Alex Blunt to crash to the back post, only for a clueless Loughborough defender to turn into his own net. Half time, Saints rampant, 4-0.

At half time, the importance of a continued good performance was emphasised. Unfortunately, this was not to continue, as Loughborough again started the stronger, and this time their work was rewarded with a goal from a controversially awarded penalty corner. Saints struggled to come to terms with the onslaught, as passes were panicked and possession was wasted. A Loughborough attack took advantage of some sloppy Saints defending, resulting in a tap in at the back post. Game on.

After a verbal tirade from magnificent captain Dan Whittaker, the visitors calmed down. Possession was retained, and some semblance of rhythm was found. A well worked move involving Sam Mitchell and Scott Mahoney resulted in Dan Rose squaring the ball to Alex Blunt who swept the ball high into the Loughborough net. Saints started to show flourishes of the hockey they are capable of, as moves beginning from the holding two of Matt Gausden and George Roberts resulted in some swift interplay in midfield, and the creation of several good chances; including a penalty corner, a tap in that Dan Rose contrived to miss, and a scintillating reverse effort from the gorgeous Dan Whittaker (who was once won the “best hair in the midlands” award) that fizzed just millimetres past the top corner of the post. Saints sealed the victory with an effort from Sam Mitchell that deflected off a Loughborough defender to nestle in the net. The match ended 6-2 and Saints strengthened their position at the top of the league.

Just minutes after the match ended, skipper and all round great guy Dan Whittaker regained access to his car, and was voted (somewhat surprisingly, less than unanimously) DOTD. Man of the Match went to Worzel Gummidge look-a-like Ben Northedge for a tenacious display, with honourable mentions for goal scorers Alex Blunt and Scott Mahoney. All in all, a successful day.

Squad: Robin Sawyer (GK), Guy Roberts, Ally Rose, Ben Northedge, George Roberts, Matt Gausden, Chris Reid, Scott Mahoney, Dan Whittaker (c), Andy Peters, Alex Blunt, Jack Pogson, Dan Rose, Sam Mitchell.