Lost 1-4
Scorers: John Aikin
MoM: Pete Neville and Mike Barton
DoD: couple of candidates come to mind – the usual 2……
HARD GRAFT
Instead of driving cold rain and wind for once at this elevated pitch it was a crisp cloudless morning … as a result we could see and enjoy the view over to Sheppey and the surrounding Medway landscape……..
Unfortunately that enjoyment did not translate to the Friars activities onto the hockey pitch. The visitors defence as ever worked their socks off and earned their post-match pint with one of the most unlikely defenders – international over 75 winger Tony Jones managed to act as a long stop keeping out 4 shots on goal before letting 2 in whilst keeper Dono who had a brilliant match also was flat on his side blocking shots too. Pete Nevill and Mike Barton deservedly share the MoM award for their constant “They shall not Pass” attitude.
The forwards did not really get much ball until the second half and John Aikin yet again scored from a penalty corner to get his regulation one goal a match, a bit like his after match pint. Young Hugo Fassum on the wing played his impressive part whilst the other forward – Hayward didn’t. Midfield found it hard going though Harris, Hurlow and and Bowell did their best along with Pete’s “chatting” and that’s about it. A game probably to forget against a better, well drilled and younger Old Willies side. Thank you to The Old Willies umpires.