COWHC Men's 4s vs Horley Men's 2s - 10th December 2016

3 wins on the bounce had put the 4s back into the mix for the title. Early season inconsistency looked like it had put pave to our hopes of glory this time around but the boys were resolute and forced their way up the table.

Could we make it 4 in a row?

Never in doubt!

This is the type of game that defines seasons. A loss would have meant our opposition leapfrogging us and the leaders going into the break with a 4 point lead. A win on the other hand offered the prize of being at least 2nd with a 4 point buffer and the chance of being top for Xmas.

A seriously strong 16 were ready for the battle, kudos to Ken for stepping aside and coming along to support along with the injured Karl representing too!

In 18 months we've gone from averaging 9 players, one of which was rarely a GK, to a solid 16/17, a decent back up GK option and having supporters! Team spirit epitomised by the 4s right there.

Ciaran, Max, JP, Hamjam and Mike ruled the back with an iron fist.

Scotty, Nelly, Ben, Joe dominated the midfield.

Bob and Adam prowled the oppo D with constant threat.

Jude and Killer rotated with Nelly and Ben with great affect and were relentless when chasing the ball.

Ross shouted and shouted and practised his accent so JP would like him more.

Stuart was Stuart.

The boys were hungry for the 3 points and were not prepared to leave the pitch without them.

The whole team were passionate, tenacious and relentless and we allowed the oppo no room to breathe.

Every 16 for them was a well oiled drill for us, they could not break out of their own half unless it was a ridiculous hit that squeezed through.

All we needed was a goal and in 4s fashion... it's not a foregone conclusion that we'll win a match that we are owning. Ben, thankfully, decided he'd deliver the first blow: finishing off a delightful sequence of passes with a sweet finish between his legs. 1 nil to the 4s.

HT came and the game was dangerously poised at 1 nil.

Team talk was simple... keep going and let's get Horley buried. Kill them and their families, leave no chances.

Soon after the break, their knee caps were busted and on their knees they went. Adam stepped up deliver the next blow. A clever drive gifted him space for a tidy finish. 2 nil.

Here things got a little messy from Horley... tempers frayed and elbows and naughty challenges crept in. Nicky W and their umpire gave their warnings yet they were not heeded... soon a green appeared for silly but dangerous play by one of the enemy... I'd have been given a red if it were me.

The 4s knew the game wasn't safe even though Ciaran had barely seen the ball however as a team we knew he'd be willing to give them a goal if the opportunity arose.

With 15 to go, Adam added to his tally, banging in his 2nd and our 3rd. Game over, Horley and their families were dispatched.

With minutes to go, the 4s went looking for the 16 year old cherry to seal the win...

A training ground short routine that was designed to carve open the defence for a tap in for ME! It worked beautifully... however what we didn't bank on was a 4 getting in the way. But it didn't matter... maybe next time.

Full time: 3 nil to the dominant, rampant 4s. A well deserved win, one of the best I've had the pleasure of being a part of. Every 4 should be proud.

Thank you to the L2s for their support near the end and mummy Ford who became the team photographer.

4 wins on the bounce and another performance for the scrapbook! A draw for Chertsey kept them top by a point but our win puts us 4 away from third. Smashing!!!

DOD= Ciaran because, well just because.

POM= The discussion itself sums up the 4s attitudes and team spirit with 7 people getting votes. With the deciding vote, Adam went for Killer and no one disagreed. Another tireless effort from the bench, knowing his role well... Torment the oppo with his perseverance, rest then go again and repeat and repeat.

For once Xmas has come early with everyone desperate for the next game to come. Don't worry boys, it will come soon enough.

Merry Xmas to everyone, stay safe and let's grab this title.