Magnets 4 - 2 Indian Gymkhana Tigers (A)
By Mark Waller
Scorers: Waller 2, Todd, Wingfield
Squad: Beaney C, Beaney R, Foster, Frost, Green, Hardy, Jackson, Lane, Michael, Sharpe, Todd, Waller, Wingfield
The Magnets resumed the league season where they left off before the Christmas break, with another good win, moving us further up the league and out of the danger zone.
We were delighted to welcome Luke and Rob back into the side after their long lay offs. Rob was in ebullient mood, happy to extol his new found love of pilates and to pursue a recruitment drive to encourage others to join him, having already persuaded Matt to do so. Next players will be turning up with yoga mats. Heaven forfend they start appearing in leotards.
As to the game, we started well enough but it was all a little disjointed and play was end to end with neither side really hitting their stride and chances few and far between. It was IG who broke the deadlock and they held the lead for a short while until we equalised with a PS, calmly slotted in by Toddy. IG then capitalised on a momentary lapse of concentration that saw their best player strike a fierce shot into the roof of the net from the top of the circle. They maintained their 2-1 advantage going into half time.
The second half was much better for the Magnets. The team clicked and passes became much quicker and more accurate, leaving the IG defence chasing shadows as we worked the ball down the flanks and around them. The equaliser came from Waldo who deftly guided a lifted deflection off a defender’s stick past the GK. He scored a second shortly afterwards, tapping in from close range after Jacko had done all the hard work to shrug off the close attentions of two defenders and the GK. By this stage we were comfortably on top and Wingers sealed the points with a well-taken close range effort. IG attempted to stage a late rally but our defence stood firm and any breaches were ably dealt with by Frosty in goal.
We can take several positives from this match. Our teamwork and trust in one another was strong and our attitudes were positive. It was great to see Luke out-sprinting defenders once again. Also to have Noaksy on the pitch to help calm things down and direct play from midfield. Matt also had a good game, showing the clear benefits of his recent pilates sessions.
The game was played in good spirit and well umpired. The post-match curry was excellent, as ever, and tasted even better after a good win.
A bye next weekend and then we face the youngsters of OCs in what should be a good match up. Onwards and upwards.