Dragons almost topple top of table

Bourne Deeping were looking to bounce back from double disappointment the previous weekend when they welcomed league leaders Broxbourne to Glinton on Saturday.
The Dragons were slow to start, struggling to find a way past Broxbourne’s aggressive press and finding it difficult to string a series of passes together. This led to an early breakthrough for the visitors through a deflection from the penalty spot.
Rather than spur the Dragons into action, this goal kickstarted another period of pressure for Broxbourne, but the home side grew slowly into the game. Just like the previous three games of the season, much good play down the wings - in particular the left - bore no fruit and, once again, Bourne Deeping were undone by a quick counter attack. Possession was relinquished in the opposition’s 25 with many players committed forward and, despite a valiant effort by captain Phil Arnold, the ball was finally poked into the goal to make it 2-0.
Half-time arrived soon after and, following a depressingly familiar half-time team talk, the Dragons started the second half strongly. Stuart Biggs prodded home from a yard out after a ball into the D from the left by Joe Youngs and the game was alive again.
However, defensive shortcomings scuppered the Dragons yet again when Broxbourne flicked home from the second phase of a short corner to restore their two goal lead.
Undeterred, Bourne pushed forward again and continued to play the more efficient hockey. This culminated in a powerfully struck shot from Richard Collins being deflected in at the back post by Will Cook; suddenly, the pressure was on the away side to hold on.
This they couldn’t do - neat interplay down the left saw James Tavernor roll the ball into the corner for Cook, who turned sharply before firing the ball across the D for Biggs to deflect home and level the scores.
In the ascendancy, Bourne Deeping continued to press forward in search of a winner but luck wasn’t on their side. Broxbourne broke out from the back well but were fortunate to grab a winner when the ball bounced around the D and fortuitously looped over a diving Adrian Portlock.
Yet more heartbreak for Bourne Deeping - good hockey is being played but they must start matches with more concentration and intensity rather than relying on second-half comebacks.

Written by: Joe Youngs