Men’s 3s Match reports

The 3s travelled to a very late fixture at Sittingbourne, needing something to keep everyone awake for the journey. Whatever it was certainly did the trick, as Ben fired us into the lead after just 20 seconds.

The early goal also woke Sittingbourne up, and the game quickly became an end-to-end contest with chances for both sides. Sittingbourne equalised from a quickly taken 16 before taking the lead through a well-worked overload and composed finish. The battles continued across the pitch, and despite our efforts, the hosts went into the break leading 2-1.

After regrouping at half-time, we came out with great energy, applying plenty of pressure and showing a fantastic attitude. Unfortunately, another overload allowed Sittingbourne to extend their lead and make it 3-1.

That setback did not affect the team's spirit. A well-worked short corner saw Jamie provide the assist, with Oli slipping in at the back post to pull one back. We continued to push forward and were rewarded again when Nico drove a fast ball into the D, allowing Sam to finish and level the game at 3-3.

The match became increasingly frantic, with some of the challenges looking more suited to an ice hockey rink than a hockey pitch. Two green cards and a deserved yellow card for Sittingbourne reflected the intensity of the contest.

Sittingbourne regained the lead from a short corner following a scramble in the circle, with a few decisions prompting plenty of debate. Chasing the game once again, we committed players forward in search of an equaliser. This left gaps at the back, and Sittingbourne capitalised with an aerial ball into space before finishing a 2-on-0 break to make it 5-3.

The final score certainly did not reflect the overall game or the effort shown by the team. The spirit, determination and attitude throughout were excellent and gave us plenty to be proud of.

Player of the Match: Wookie

And Oli , for his baseball-style shot after bringing down an aerial ball was Wookie Champagne Moment of the Match! 🍾🏑 and special all in one

On the back of their first win of the season, the 3s welcomed Sevenoaks 8s for a lunchtime push-back. 

The side featured several changes from the opening fixture due to injury and illness, with key forward Sam "4 Pack" unavailable.

The game started brightly, with both teams creating opportunities and enjoying spells of possession. Some excellent movement from Oli and Robin caused problems for the visitors. However, Sevenoaks opened the scoring following a small mistake in the D. Undeterred, we continued to press, but a well-worked short corner gave Sevenoaks a 2-0 lead heading into the break.

There was plenty of discussion at half-time, along with a few positional changes, and we started the second half strongly. Several good chances came our way, including a number of short corners, but we were unable to convert, either narrowly missing the target or being denied by some excellent keeping.

That proved to be the story of the afternoon. Despite some good hockey and positive attacking play, it just was not our day in front of goal, perhaps highlighting the absence of Sam up top.

Sevenoaks added a third from a well-executed short corner before scoring again on the break as we pushed forward in search of a goal. We finished the game strongly, but it ended in a 4-0 defeat.

The scoreline did not truly reflect the contest. We created chances and competed well throughout, but unfortunately could not find the back of the net.

Player went to Rich for some good last ditch work , We now move on to an away trip to Tonbridge.

Thanks to Lacky and Trev for officiating and keeping the game well controlled throughout.

After a few friendlies, a new format, and some new players, we arrived early (or at least some of us did) for an away game against Burnt Ash.

There were some early chances for both sides, although the first real shot on our goal came from one of our own players!

Ash earned a few short corners, which were dealt with well. There was some excellent movement and passing, with Oli taking up his new role higher up the pitch and Robin being given the freedom to attack. This created some great opportunities and some excellent balls into Ben, Sam and Tyler.

We continued to press, and Tyler finished off a pass from Oli to put us 1–0 up. Jamie then scored from a short corner to make it 2–0.

Burnt Ash applied some pressure, but our defence stood strong. Unfortunately, a fast break and a great finish brought Ash back to within one.

A very positive team talk followed, and the second half started well with end-to-end action. Ash then capitalised on our eagerness to push for more goals, playing an aerial over the top which created a two-on-zero. They finished the chance to make it 2–2.

Ash caught us again shortly afterwards, this time creating a four-on-one. Luckily for us, they got a little greedy and shot straight at the keeper.

We then found another gear and created some great chances, with Robin and Oli combining brilliantly on several occasions. One of these moves eventually found Ben, who produced a great finish to make it 3–2.

There was a tense end to the game, with a few important saves keeping us in it. Tyler also picked up a yellow card, but we held on to start the season with a win.

Thanks to Ollie, Dan and Dixie for stepping up and helping out.

Special Mention: Sam, for not being able to count the number of team members. Although Ollie could have taken it for trying to score in our own goal!

Champagne Moment: Robin, for turning opposition players inside out.

Player of the Match: Robin, just edging out Oli and Rich.

We go again at home against Sevenoaks.