Boys U16 Coyotes 4 - 2 Old Loughtonians Boys U16 (A)
By Adam Hislop
Round 3 of the EH Championships U16 Boys T1 Cup saw the Coyotes making the long journey to Chigwell to face Old Loughts after being given a bye in the previous stage. The match was able to get underway just after 1pm despite some traffic chaos, resulting in a number of the team arriving very close to pushback.
Whether it be the prematch team talk or the stern words from coach Holly about their timekeeping, the Coyotes leapt out to a 2-0 lead within three minutes of the start. The first happened in just the first minute after good work on the right and a pass into the shooting circle that found Duggan unmarked for a cool finish beyond the keeper, opening the Coyotes’ account.
Two minutes later and the Coyotes doubled their lead with Seth's quick out from the back onto Lars’ stick, who found Freddie in the right channel just outside the shooting circle. Freddie passed onto Stoney who drove in on goal and rather cheekily threaded the ball through the keeper's legs.
Sadly, rather than capitalise on the quick start, the Coyotes let Old Loughts back into the game. Some sloppy defending and a fortuitous mishit saw the ball fall to an unmarked opponent to tuck into the empty net. Then a penalty corner which was lifted into the net after Matt had made the initial save.
Surbiton continued to make chances in the game without really threatening to run away with it. Seth's drive into the shooting circle and reverse hit was neatly saved by their keeper, and Duggan might have had a first half hat-trick with two shots that went close.
The Coyotes did however manage to go into the half-time break in the lead through a penalty corner of their own. On 33 minutes a planned routine was spoiled by a bobble in the pitch, but an improvised shot that was saved by their keeper feel kindly to Charlie, who smashed it into the top left of the goal.
Four minutes into the second half and Surbiton closed out the scoring with some tidy team play, starting with a precise aerial from Bennett out from the back that found Freddie. Once again, he was able to find the threat in the shooting circle, where Haspel's brilliant one touch pass to Stoney left him with only the keeper to beat. He easily rounded him to make it a brace for him on the day.
The rest of the second half saw Surbiton having the upper hand in terms of possession and territory, but not able to translate that into more goals to extend the lead further. However, the 4-2 victory represented a comfortable outing for the Coyotes in the end, to take them into the next round of the cup.
