BDHC (1) @ CoP 3 (2)

BDHC 1s (1) v CoP 3s (2)

Following the lengthy Christmas break a slow start would have been understandable having had just the one training session before this local derby. But Bourne Deeping hit their stride quickly as James Watkins and Andy Kind stamped their authority on the midfield battle, combining with Matty Clarkson to tee up Hugo Brill who’s deft finish gave the Dragons the lead in just 5 minutes.
Joseph Moisey in a change of position to right midfield was a revelation, driving forward and giving the Peterborough defence little respite, combining with Graham Brewer and Alex Hutton to create a flurry of chances which the away side would later rue not being able to convert.
Peterborough equalised from their only shot of the half. A penalty corner was charged down but the rebound fell invitingly for that same striker to push the ball into the net from close range.
Peterborough will have been by far the happier with a 1-1 halftime score, but upped their game in the second half and the Dragons midfield was forced back as Peterborough committed an extra man to their attack.
As pressure built, Dragons centre back Andy Briault provided a highlight reel piece of individual brilliance with a magnificent diving save on the line to keep his team on level terms. However, from the resulting corner the Dragons were guilty of switching off defensively and a simply ball into the D was not dealt with properly, allowing Peterborough to take the lead with roughly a quarter of the game remaining.
Tempers flared as both sides fought hard to gain the upper hand; Bourne Deeping created several inroads into the opposition 25 but the final ball and finish was frustratingly lacking despite some excellent build up play. When Callum Howitt did have the ball in the Peterborough net, the goal was chalked off as the whistle had already been blown for an earlier infringement.
There was still time for some last second drama though; a penalty corner to the Dragons in the final minute saw Hugo Brill step up to the plate with a drag flick which was destined for the top corner before a Peterborough defender pulled off a fine goal line clearance as the final whistle sounded to leave the home side victorious.
MOTM Hugo Brill – a superb performance, always wanting the ball and capped with a fine goal.