Ford HC Men’s 1 Vs Bourne Deeping HC Men’s 1st XI

In the early exchanges on a very bouncy pitch, the Dragon’s were able to continue playing some fine looking hockey and take the game to the home side. However it didn’t take long for the home side to squander their first chance as somehow an unmarked Ford player on the back post managed to guide the ball past the outside of post rather than goal bound. The travelling Dragons responded well to this though driving up the field to win the first penalty corner of the game. A slick injection and sure stop between the Glover brothers allowed Richard Collins to fire the ball goal bound. Not finding the back of the net after a save from the keeper, Phil Arnold pounced on the loose ball to fire the Dragons in front. 0-1. The early lead seemed to anger the home side and waves of attacks came the dragons way. Being given an opportunity through a short corner the home side levelled when their penalty corner was converted by a hammer of a shot into the bottom corner. 1-1. It wasn’t long after when the 3rd goal of the game came, when an awkward ball was fired into the D, bounced and spun hitting keeper Page and awarding the home side the advantage. 2-1. With luck seeming not to be on the Dragon’s side once again, the visiting side did not allow this to unravel their style of play. Continuing to press and threaten the home sides goal, penalty corners came and went but the dragons were unable to claw their way back from the deficit. Half time came and Ford held the advantage.

HT: Ford HC 2 – 1 BDHC

The Bourne Deeping fighting spirit reared its head for the 2nd half and they attacked with pace and vigour. The returning Shane Carlton provide Nick Glover with his goal of the afternoon, firing the pass into the roof on the volley. 2-2. Soon after the Dragons went ahead when a well executed drag flick from Richard Collins during a penalty corner found the goal off of a Ford defenders arm on the line. 3-2. A string of injuries and cramps then decimated the Bourne Deeping line up, and a mass shuffle of players ensued. Ford gained the equalizer after a break away found an unmarked attacker at the top who just managed to get the ball over the sliding keeper. 3-3. Just as the match was looking like it was going to finish with the points shared, Ford broke once again in the dying seconds. Again the attacking player tried to nip the ball over the sliding keeper although this time the keeper made contact with the ball only for the ball to deflect back off the attacking player and into the goal.

Final score: Ford HC 4-3 BDHC

This weeks man of the match was awarded to Philip Arnold, once again putting in a hefty shift in defence.

Next week the Dragons take on St Ives at the Arthur Mellows Astro, as must win game for the men’s 1st team to keep their league survival hopes real. 12:30 start.