Jokers Excellent Against Epsom
By Luke Michael
Jokers 3 – 1 Epsom HC Embers
Scorers: Dye 2, Milsted
POM: Martin Dye
The Jokers faced an Epsom side who were flying high, having won every game so far this season. We dominated the first 15 minutes with aggressive pressing and fast passing, coming close to getting a breakthrough but unable to pierce Epsom’s stubborn defence. Our opponents then found their stride and put us under pressure: Frost made some important saves while Draper and Bloxham were resolute. 0-0 at half time.
In the second half we squeezed on the pressure, marking tighter and challenging Epsom to do something special with the ball. Stone and Hardy carried the ball to stretch Epsom, while Burns was a thorn in the side of their defence throughout. Hey sniped in midfield, breaking down Epsom attacks. They soon cracked and, during a period of some sparkling hockey, we shredded them to produce three goals, including some lovely pass and move hockey and sharp finishes from Martin Dye and Jon Milsted. Epsom’s consolation did not change the momentum of the game and the Jokers ran out worthy winners.
After picking up 11 points in a hectic November schedule which saw away visits to Tulse Hill & Dulwich, Hampstead & Westminster and Reading as well as this win against the league’s form team, we move up to second in the league.
Squad: Frost, Stone, Draper, Bloxham, Baynton-Williams, Sait, Mallinson, Hey, Hardy, Milsted, Dye, Burns, Lloyd, Michael