BDHC v Shefford and Sandy

Bourne Deeping 1s v Shefford and Sandy 19.09.20

This was a good test for Bourne Deeping’s new look 1st team squad and a chance to put into practise a new system alongside several new personnel.
The first quarter saw the home side have the better of the chances with Shefford unable to register a shot on target, though Bourne Deeping were themselves guilty of not working the opposition ‘keeper hard enough when they had the chance.
The second quarter saw the away side open the scoring. After winning the ball in the midfield, Shefford broke quickly and a ball through to their centre forward was converted with a delicate first time deflection past the goalkeeper. They nearly made it 2-0 when a rocket of a shot cannoned off the crossbar, almost decapitating midfielder Bob Slack in the process.
Half time came with Shefford still in the lead, in what was throughout a very even contest. In unseasonably sunny weather, Bourne Deeping could not afford to have to chase the game and so the next goal was vitally important. Scott Downie duly obliged with the equaliser in the 3rd quarter, injecting the penalty corner and following in to deflect the ball in at the ‘keeper’s right hand post. Shefford responded and Adi Portlock had to make a series of fine saves from both open play and a succession of penalty corners in order to keep his side in the game.
Joseph Moisey then showed what a great young attacking talent he is, lashing home a loose ball on the reverse into the net following good work from Tom Everton driving into the D from the left.
The final quarter saw Bourne Deeping nursing a slender 1 goal lead, and they were indebted to Neil Baldwin and his miraculous stick save from a penalty corner. With the ball lashed venomously towards the roof of the net, the defender’s lightning reaction save kept Shefford at bay, though unfortunately not for long as they equalised with another penalty corner chance. The original routine faltered, but as the ball sprang loose after another Portlock save, a calm finish from the left of the D brought the sides back to parity at 2-2.
A young side, losing the lead with ten minutes to play can often get caught in 2 minds; to sit back and defend, or to go for it and all out attack. Both can be problematic. Bourne Deeping did neither, they just continued to play the way they had all game. Their younger players in particular demonstrated a game awareness and game management beyond their years, keeping composed and positive on the ball throughout what could have been a nervy final few minutes. It’s great to see a side coming together under pressure and bodes well for what promises to be another tough but exciting season for the BDHC men.
MOTM: Joseph Moisey