Could have, Should have.

Mens 3s Match Report
Date: Saturday 24th September 2022
Opposition: West Herts 4
LTHC: Home
Half Time Score: 1-1
Full Time Score: 1-2

MOTM: Charlie Sage

The first half started at a frenetic pace and after only five minutes we could have been in the lead. Following some fast flowing hockey in a blink of an eye, Nathan found himself in acres of space in the D positioned perfectly at the back post but snatched at the chance with the goal begging. A good start nevertheless, it sent a clear message to our opponents that we were up for the battle today. The game see-sawed with both teams doing their absolute best to stop the opposition scoring zones, Joe again in great form.

Midway through the first half the deadlock was broken, Luke linked up with Alfie to win a penalty corner. Trusty duo of Iain sent in the injection and Clive struck from the top of the D, finding the gap in the keepers pads and into the back of the net. 1-0, game on! As a team we had many chances that came and went. The best was an attack towards the end of the half with Faz breaking free and Syed in support that left their the opposition for dust but failed to get past the goalie.

We held the lead until West Herts, against the run of play were awarded a contested penalty corner which Luton thought they had survived but on the second phase the ball was volleyed with great skill into the net to ensure that we went into the break at one a piece.

After taking on much needed fluids and a breather the second half started completely differently than the first, for Luton that is, gone was the crisp decisive passing and in its place was players trying to force the pass. Players began holding onto the ball for too long and too many passes were going astray and/or to the opposition which meant that we were piling on pressure. Luton DID drag themselves up off the canvas, re-group and remember how to play. However, during this dip in our performance, West Herts capitalised on another stray pass that came back at us. With an overload in the D and after what felt like the a dreadful pinball game, the ball apologetically found its way into a net to give West Herts the lead.

We could have and maybe should have levelled the game in the dying minutes when our forwards broke attacking well and Perri was an inch of the right post with a reflex deflection, alas it was a case of too little, too late. Luton town could have and should have - as we had enough chances in the game to put it away with some exceptional performances from Charlie, Rory and Luke to name but a few.

There were positives to take from the game and we need to remember that this is a newly formed team, learning a new formation so very much work in progress.