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Magnets 3 - 2 Sunbury & Walton Hawks (H)

14th November 2022

By Mark Waller

Scorers: Todd, Jackson, Beaney R

The Magnets gathered at Sugden Road in a confident mood, with a 100% win record in the league to date. Sunbury, being new to the league, were something of an unknown quantity, although those of us who had played their younger Masters side in the past knew that they had the potential to be a strong side.

Our confidence appeared to be misplaced as the match quickly took on an all too familiar pattern. A sluggish and sloppy start saw us concede early. Although we have clawed our way back into recent games after conceding early it would be nice if for once we could start with confidence, take the lead and maintain it. But, despite the early setback, we began to make headway.

Good play from Jacko saw us awarded a PC, which was duly despatched by Todddy. With the scores level Sunbury still looked dangerous on the break and it took a tremendous double save from Frosty to prevent them from taking the lead. Then, seemingly from nothing, a through ball from Rob Leach found Jacko unmarked at the top of the circle. With just the keeper to beat Jacko calmly veered right and confidently crashed the ball onto the backboard; a really well taken goal.

The second half saw us in a more consistently attacking mode, but clear chances were few and far between, whilst Sunbury still looked threatening on the break. Indeed, we were extremely fortunate that they missed a chance to draw level when their skipper messed up a PS, awarded after a short corner struck a defender on the foot.

Back at the other end, another well-struck shot, this time from Richard Beaney, saw us take a two-goal lead, which should have been game over. But a defensive lapse saw Sunbury sneak a late goal, making for a tense final few minutes. Fortunately, we had enough quality to see the game out and were content to take a 3-2 victory. And, with five wins from five matches we are now top of the league.

But this was another disappointing performance and unnecessarily tight match where we failed to play to our potential. Our shape looked a little disjointed at times and individual discipline needs to improve drastically. We play in a competitive league but that does not negate the need to be respectful to umpires and opponents, no matter how frustrated we may get during a match.  

Thank you to Ray and Giles for umpiring.