A successful local derby

A short away trip to play the only side who have beaten us this year (in a pre-season friendly) and therefore an added motivation to win. The Monarchs are a very different side to the one who had their first match back in September. Our game plan is a constant now - we are a pass first side added to a high level tempo that simply plays around the opposing men. Defensive duties are done early, we retreat immediately if we turn over possession and implement a relentless press as high up the pitch as we can get. If this is successful, we gain control of the ball in the opposition half and counter attack with organised leads being made by the forwards.
After 20 minutes we were 3-0 up with Tommy Barlow scoring his first goal as the result of excellent build up play by Finn, Sam & Mack. Finn was hardly marked all game and therefore we routed a lot of our attacks via the inside left channel and his intelligent decision making resulted in numerous circle penetrations and shots on goal. After half time we conceded a scrappy goal but this resulted in a major obstacle being overcome. In previous games the Boys have not responded well to conceding and often tried to force the play, resulting in more turnovers and increased pressure on the defence. On this occasion we continued to play in the right way and retained possession so well that we starved Sevenoaks of the opportunity to add to their goal tally. We scored again to put the game out of sight and then the 4 adults basked in the boys playing great hockey for the final 10 minutes and creating opportunity after opportunity. Everyone played exceptionally well - Sam.H, Toby, Angus, Ethan.M, Finn, Sam.J, Mack, Tommy & George - and we retain our 4 and 7pt lead over 2nd & 3rd place respectively. One more game to go before the break and then a well earned rest !