Southend Mens 1's 3 - 2 Vauxhall
"Who needs Lee Styles and Gareth Ingram!"
The week started with a bit of chaos with the first team looking short of players with Lee Styles (suspended), 40 goal striker Gareth Ingram (Riot training), and dual player of the year Steve Hayman (bad back) all unavailable. At the selection meeting, veteran Cliff Lockwood was drafted into the squad along with Phil Harvey who came straight back in, now that he had recovered from being beaten by a monkey who had tried to steal his handbag (true story I kid you not!).
As late as Thursday Cliff had to pull out and in the end there was no choice and Steve Hayman was persuaded to play through the pain. As it was the league leaders who were coming to fortress Tommy Moore it looked like it was going to be a tough game.
As it happens the team was further damaged (according to the Harlow Captain) when "Pitsea" so I was informed by the Harlow Captain, was not allowed to play for the 1st team as he had made an appearance for the seconds.
Now Mr Harlow captain, a few comments here:
1. Pitsea does not play for the 1st team
2. The rules state that we are allowed one person to double up as long as he doesn't start the game, so get your facts straight.
3. What has it got to do with you anyway?
4. Did Pitsea play that well that he loked like a 1st team player?
5. Bog off back to your Div 5 relegation battle
6. I really hope we get to play you sometime in the future
The team lined up in a changed formation bringing back a sweeper and sacrificing a forward to leave the team with a new 4 - 5 - 1 formation. This seemed to work wonders with Christian Jenkins running around all over the place upfront and the extra man in midfield and at the back stifling Vauxhall and always ensuring there was someone to pick up the pieces.
Southend opened the scoring when Strawbs smashed in a short corner in what seemed like the first minute and it seemed like Vauxhall never really recovered. Southend seemed to control the game and although Vauxhall showed glimpses of why they were league leaders they were never really allowed to get going.
Southend's other goals came from Strawbs again and Christian, both from short corners.
This win now virtually assures Southend of Division 2 hockey next season and a point in either of the next 2 games will clinch it for certain.
Well done chaps a great performance.
Team - 5, Arnold, Hayman, Mellish, Harvey, Lockwood, Hill, Utton, Needham, Puncher, Crompton, Jenkins.
Goals - Utton 2, Jenkins
Burberry - Arnold for a swing and a miss when playing the ball in his own D (and a magnificent recovery tackle)
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