Magnets 4 - 3 Hampstead & Westminster MO50s (A)
By Mark Waller
Scorers: Todd 2, Green 2
Squad: Barnicoat, Beaney C, Beaney R, Dowthwaite, Green, Hardy, Jackson, Laws, Sharpe, Waller, Wingfield
The run-up to this match was a little fraught. With our regular GK out of action and only 11 players available, it looked like we might have to postpone. I’m not sure many would have minded as an away fixture at UCS in Cricklewood was hardly an enticing prospect. But, up stepped Richard Beaney, who offered to play in goal for the first time in years (see photo below taken in his GK heyday - and note the minimal amount of protection!), and Noaksy, who travelled up immediately after his earlier home game at Surbiton. Both played key roles in what was a good morale boosting victory.
The first half was fairly balanced, with both teams threatening and the scores were level as we reached half time. The scoreline could have been slightly different with two goals cancelled out, one for either side. But a Greeno tap-in and Toddy PC ensured that we stayed in touch with H&W who also scored a brace. They could have possibly scored more and their Dutch midfielder was a constant threat. However, Richard was inspired in goal and made some important stops.
The second half saw us seize the initiative and we had by far the better of the game, creating many promising attacks which, more often than not, were broken up by cynical fouls or umpiring calls. Their Dutch threat was stifled by Noaksy who enjoyed what was a good tussle between two classy players. H&W resorted to trying to play long passes from the midfield which were easily intercepted. The subsequent attacks brought several PC awards from which we scored twice more; one a traditional Toddy strike, the other a tap-in from Greeno after a cleverly disguised pass from the top of the circle found him lurking on the post to slide in the winner with just minutes left to play.
Not the prettiest of matches, but we had some good moments and our resilience and determination fully merited the three points after a few tough matches against the top sides in the league.
