Men’s 2s 2 – 2 Bromley & Beckenham 1s (A)

Goalscorers: Morgan Males (PC), Ollie Stone (F)

POM: Joe Burnley

DOD: Any Scott (take your pick)

Langley School is a tough place to go, and I mean that in the hockey sense. For many years, BromBecks have made it difficult for visiting teams, a bit like the Culture Club meeting the Crazy Gang (for anyone old enough to remember the FA Cup Final in 1987). Fortunately, we didn't arrive in white suits, but some of us did have difficulty getting to the right pitch. One Scott (Evans) who should know better and be able to read directions, put the post code for teas into his sat nav and went to the cricket ground in Beckenham. Then Captain Max 'believed' the opposition when they told him there was no free space up in the pitch side car park. To be fair, they sold it well as they were having their team talk on the side of the road, so we decanted our kit and walked up the hill, only to find a completely free field to park in. One car, with Scott (Jones) chauffeuring Morgs, didn't take directions from anyone, blindly drove up the hill and was waiting for us pitch side in acres of space and a prime parking spot.

BromBecks were on a run of eight games without defeat, their last loss coming back in November 2-0 at Sugden Road. We were in no doubt that we'd have a challenge to get the point that would likely mean the league title and promotion to Div 1 would be in our own hands going into the last game of the season. With Dewi (one shot - one goal) given a weekend pass for a wedding back in Wales, it fell to Joe Burnley to step up from his regular fourth team duties to make his EHL debut and fill the big boots of our dependable stopper. Unfortunately, despite all Dewi's preparation on PCD (more on that later), he omitted to convey that Surbi would be playing in their black kit, so Joe was forced to try a variety of bibs over his black smock. One fluorescent yellow number looked like it came straight from school crossing duty, before he settled on a smart green sweatshirt. No sweat once the game started, as Joe produced a MOM winning performance. Making a couple of good saves early on settled any nerves, he was ably supported by his PCD team with Rhys and Lars running perfect lines to help keep out 12 corners in the game.

It could be classed as 'the' game of two halves, with Surbiton dominating possession and tempo in the first. After an early green card for Redders for not a lot, Morgs ripped a PC to settle the nerves and put the boys 1-0 up, before Stoner added a smart finish to a great team move (and earn himself a call-up to replace the injured Nick Park against OGs on Sunday).

At 2-0 up (which some say can be a nervy scoreline), the half time team talk was calm and all about continuing what had served us well. Ready to start the second half, BromBecks were nowhere to be seen and in the few minutes it took to for the umpires to locate our opposition, the M2 seemed to forget everything Frankie had said and how to play hockey. I can't comment much on the second half as most of my time was spent sending updates to Dewi, Fulker and Lloydy - any diversion that meant I didn't have to watch the game.

A green for Freddie and a yellow for Scotty E stopped us building any momentum and flow. With 52 minutes played, BromBecks pulled a goal back just before the Q3 break.  An animated Frankie delivered the rocket that was needed, and it seemed to gel the boys back into action. Hobkirk produced a worldy bit of skill to pick a ball reverse on the sideline and eliminate his oppo in one smooth move before driving down the right - we had a PC. Rhys was taking a rest, so Geering took responsibility for the injection and Rhys said it would be fine as the pitch was 'pretty smooth'. Morgs took control, dismissed Scott J to cover defence, and eagerly waited for his opportunity to silence his critics in the crowd. And then... the ball travelled all of a couple of feet on the injection, and was seized upon by an eager BromBecks defender who quickly sent the ball forward. Scott J was disorientated, perhaps thinking about his drive to Chloe's and whether to take the M25 or Blackwall Tunnel, either way his sat nav didn't click in quickly enough for him to realise that leaving the ball was a bad idea with an attacker behind him. With Joe committed, BromBecks calmly rounded the keeper to equalise.

The last few minutes could have been super nervy, but the boys created a couple of gilt-edged chances to win the game. With news coming in that Wayfarers had won, it became clear that everything would came down to the final day. BromBecks provided a great curry tea and hospitality.

Surbiton M2 remain top on 33 points with a GD +20, and can only be overhauled by London Wayfarers who have a GD +15.  Spencer in 3rd lost out 6-5 in a thriller to Brighton. Wayfarers are at home to Wimbledon M2 on the last day, and the boys from SW19 are themselves in grave danger of relegation after a 4-2 loss to H&W2.

So, delay your Mother's Day celebrations and make a date for a 'massive' home game next Sunday (2pm PB vs H&W2) as the M2 look to cement a place in the folklore of the club (and EH), by winning promotion to Division 1 of the Men's National League.

Do you hear the people sing?

One more game, one more win, one day more!