BDHC 1s (5) @ Cambs South 2s (3)

BDHC 1s (5) @ Cambridge South 2s (3)
A roller-coaster of a game and another contender for match of the season in a season chocked full of remarkable games.
Perhaps what makes this one stand out is the way the team pulled together in adversity (not for the first time). The umpires were fine, the pitch sticky and bobbly but nonetheless the same for both sides, yet despite taking a 1-0 lead through an Andy Kind piledriver, frustration set in as individual mistakes lead to players trying too hard to make amends, to put that crunching tackle in, to beat that extra man, to play the killer ball that isn’t really on.
With both teams struggling to retain possession, the Dragons back 3 of Briault, Collins and Gray were finding themselves under pressure. Collins was proving to be a rock at centre back, constantly wanting the ball, always looking to move the play forwards. Briault has always been BDHCs Mr Dependable at the back, and again showed his class in 1v1 situations, while Gray had his best game in a Dragons shirt, simply outstanding in the tackle as time and time again attackers found themselves running into a Gray wall!
That said, there were still chances at the other end; Kindy flashed a shot just wide, and Joseph Moisey was denied by a magnificent save from the South ‘keeper who somehow managed to stick with the play after Moisey had sat him down and showed great composure to take a touch and flick, only for an outstretched mitt to close the door.
South were finding things just as tricky to stitch more than 2 passes together, but equalised with a top quality penalty corner, a quick switch left and a hard slap back across the P spot which was brilliantly deflected in from close range.
For once the Dragons midfield looked leggy, and as gaps began to appear, South took the lead with another penalty corner and suddenly half time couldn’t come fast enough.
Down 2 goals to 1 and in need of inspiration, Ryan Matthews may have played only a handful of games this year due to injury, but his impact on this team as coach and manager has been a major factor in the teams success this season. Another calm, measured half time talk saw the tension dissipate and the Dragons retake the pitch in determined mood. The tactical switch of moving Brewer to right back soon paid dividends as he linked up with Moisey on the edge of the D who span and fed Hugo Brill who juggled the ball before crashing it in for 2-2.
Within 2 minutes the Dragons were ahead, Andy Kind first to react in the D, slipping the ball under a diving goalkeeper.
This seemed to ignite a fire under a tired midfield; Isaac Charles, James Watkins and Ben Brittain ran themselves into the ground as South poured forward in search of an equaliser, Watkins and Charles picking up green cards in the process. As the midfield fought and scrapped tooth and nail, the forwards ran themselves ragged, Hutton and Brill providing constant outlets to counter. Robin Edlington scored from close in to make it 4-2 before smashing in a wonderful reverse hit from a ridiculous angle for 5-2.
At this point South had nothing to lose and threw caution to the wind. Brewer had one of those games reliving his ice hockey days with a slew of penalty corners conceded. But luckily a combination of Portlock in goal and the Collins Briault Gray line spared his blushes until late on when a JFTI thunderbolt rattled the backboard for 5-3.Calm heads saw out the remainder of the game, Brittain epitomising the work rate and composure needed, holding the ball at the sideline and beating 6 players around him to not only run the clock down but retain possession for his team.
A remarkable turn around that showcased the very best of this team. They will need to show it all again next week to beat local rivals Peterborough and nail that coveted 3rd spot in the final game of the season.
Motm: Will Gray. Didn’t miss a tackle all game.
Dotd: Robin. For daring to further his career and move to Cambridge.