LTHC Mens 3s V Leighton Buzzard 2s

On surveying both teams we could see that they were packed with youth & experience in equal measure so we expected a competitive match and so it played out. Luton were first to break the deadlock with some great work from Mark and Jamie weaving the ball into Alfies path who found feet for a penalty corner, up stepped Iain to deliver a crisp and accurate injection to Clive which allowed him those vital extra seconds to pick his spot and he scored with expert aplomb to give Luton a well deserved lead.

The match continued at a high tempo & intensity which must have been pleasing on the eye for the watching crowd. The majority of Leightons attacks were initiated by their right full back who had lots of tricks and wasnt afraid to use them, nearing the end of the first half he launched a monster ariel which was taken down as their young forwards beared down on our D overloading our defence which up to that point never looked like being breached, after a short pinball session the ball found its way into our net past an unsighted Joe who did his best to keep it out but it squeezed past his pad for 1-1.

Half time bought a much needed respite to take on fluids & advice and Luton went out again in the second half with fire in our bellies. A great move that involved the majority of the team started off another sortie into their D which was rewarded with a penalty flick as one of their defenders stopped a certain goal with his body. Iain stepped up and after what seemed an eternity the umpire blew her whistle and Iain put it away cleanly in the corner to give Luton a deserved lead, however as we were rejoicing the goal the umpire demanded a retake as Iain was judged (controverisally) to have taken his flick before she said play?? Iain took the flick again only for the keeper to guess the right way this time and Leighton were back in the game. This 'let off' spurred them on and they tried to impose themselves on us, however thanks to the subs that we had throughtout the game our legs were alot fresher to withstand any of their attacks, especially Tony who repelled any attacks with a new calmness and the game played out to a draw.

Being unbiased neither side deserved to lose the match but an improved performance by Luton this week, as all personnell are adapting nicely to the new formation and on another day the flick would have stood..

*Both teams held an impeccable 2 minutes silence honouring the sad passing of her majesty with dignity & respect.

MOTM: Jamie Wright