COWHC Men's 4s vs Guildford Men's 4s - 29th October 2016

After last week's cracking 5-1 win, Croydon were keen to continue the momentum and go into bye week with another victory in the bag.

Things did not look good from the get go, poor availability left us with 10. I repeat 10. Much respect for Johnny G and Martin B for seeking out Captain Adam Williams; proving themselves to be genuine club men, desperate to serve wherever and whenever. In this case, away at Guildford at 2.30.

The undermanned 4s began the game further handicapped with Nelly and Ben stuck in unheard of traffic on the M25. Odds on joint DoDs on any other Saturday but there were to be outdone by another.

Guildford, a new team with a few familiar faces, put us under the cosh almost immediately with the 4s struggling to gain a foothold in the game. They pressed hard and high but we somehow kept the scoreline level. Mike and his 3 great uncles: Ken, Martin and Johnny G scrapped and dug in to stave off Guilford who smelt blood in the air.

With about 15 gone, they took the lead and deservedly so. We gave them a short, they said yes please and scored it. One nil to Guildford.

We 4s maintained a threat with Adam and Bob in the box with both just unable to get the vital touches to send the ball into the goal. Bob can still pick any ball and Adam led by example, chasing down more balls than I've ever seen him do before.

The arrival of Ben and Nelly also saw the arrival of width, pace and assertive aggression courtesy of Ben. The delayed duo offered the defence a different option when hitting out and our attackers knew they'd be seeing more of the ball.

A slick passing move which started with a recycled ball around the back, straight off the training ground, found its way to Jon who drilled it in low and hard where Bob was waiting. Like he always is with deft little flick. Boom it's 1 all.

Half time came and much needed water was taken on board. In truth, after a slow start we were lucky to be still in the game let alone probably favorites to nick it.

2-1 came through and that's all I can remember I'm afraid as from then on in... it was a real scrap.

Guildford, with their superior numbers began to slowly overrun the tiring 4s. The defence struggled to see daylight and punishment was not too far away. Guildford piled men forward and after failing to clear their lines... the 4s conceded. 2 -2.

Not longer came another scare, Guildford scored but it was disallowed due to dangerous play. Guildford were not impressed but both umpires were theirs plus Karl was seeing double courtesy of a stick to the head. A let off after another poor showing from a tired defence. Nelly I must say ran his bottom off tracking back as did Adam.

With about 5 to go and Croydon looking fully capable of grabbing a winner, madness struck keeper Ciaran who was instantly voted as DoD of both the game and season with 5 minutes and 14 games left to go. Further dilly dallying in defence put us under unnecessary pressure, a fluffed hit from outside the box was dribbling towards go. Ignoring cries of "kick it!", clever Ciaran, thinking he was Greg Rutherford, spectacularly jumps over the ball allowing a Guildford player a tap in not even a blind, quadruple amputee, dead man could miss. I hope that man player bought a lottery ticket that night!

3-2 and looks on our forward's faces said it all.

The 4s bravely continued, knowing they did not deserve to lose the game but to no avail. The whistle went and with it our hearts. Toughest defeat of my hockey playing life so far I'd say.

PoM to Bob for his brace.
DoD for eternity to Ciaran.