M1’s v UEA
7-0
In an exhilarating clash between Stortford Men’s 1s and UEA, the Stortford team delivered a dominant performance, securing a resounding victory with a final score of 7-0. This commanding win was a significant milestone for the team, marking their return to winning ways in impressive fashion.
From the opening whistle, Stortford asserted their dominance on the field, showcasing exceptional teamwork and skillful play. The offensive lineup led by Jack Wheaton, Rich Heywood, and Ali Charlton proved to be unstoppable, as they relentlessly attacked the UEA defense, creating numerous goal-scoring opportunities.
The scoreboard began to light up early in the game, with Jack W demonstrating his scoring prowess by netting an impressive hat-trick. Not to be outdone, Rich added three goals of his own, further extending Stortford’s lead and solidifying their control of the match.
As the game progressed, Stortford continued to maintain their intensity, with Ali Charlton contributing a goal to the tally, further sealing their victory. The defensive efforts led by Ollie Foot in goal who earned the Man of the Match, were equally commendable, as they successfully stopped any attempts by UEA to mount a comeback.
M2’s v M3’s
8-0
Goalscorers: Jeff Dummett, Harry McKerrell, Tom Nash, Sam Bampton (2), Ossie Bannister (2), Oli Leonard.
The derby game between the men’s 3s and 2s resulted in an emphatic win, responding well to a defeat into the previous encounter. However, It was the men’s 3s who started the brightest, dominating possession and attacking with pace down the right through Jack Fakile and Jake Anders.
Once the seconds could gain possession, they managed to create chances, with the deadlock broken opened via penalty corner rebound of a Dummett effort. This was swiftly followed by second deflected scramble from Harry McKerrell. The third quickly followed with player of the match Ossie Bannister skilfully moving the ball around the keeper to create the third. Tom Nash hammered home his 12th of the season to take the visitors into the break 4-0 up.
The 3s started the second half brightly with Pettit, Taylor and Smith causing trouble. But the seconds created chances with Sam Bampton smashing a brace, Ossie Bannister taking his second and Oli Leonard with a composed reverse stick strike.
M4’s v M5’s
2-3
M6’s v Broxbourne 4’s
2-1
The Men’s 6s faced Broxbourne 4s away in what turned out to be a close run and often thrilling match. Evenly matched across most areas of the pitch the two sides competed fiercely from the first whistle. The first 30 mins saw Stortford dominate with plenty of ball being sent up front as well as repeated closing down of Broxbourne’s attack. However, difficulty in converting chances into goals meant the score remained 0-0 going into end of the first half. Despite that dominance the cusp of halftime saw Broxbourne score from a short corner.
Trailing at half time, and with some reorganisation and wise words from Katy Motson, the team reset and went into the second half with renewed determination. Playing a much tighter game with greater focus on providing passing options and retaining possession, the effort paid off with a great equaliser from Adrian Smith. Broxbourne matched the comeback, looking to play quick ball and exploiting the skills of their midfield. Stortford’s defence managed to hold firm, and fantastic goal keeping from Geoff Wheldon (subsequently POTM) kept the score tied 1-1 going into the final few minutes. With the last attack of the game, Elliott Smith, Jim Tatchell and Freddie Taylor exploited a counter attacking opportunity, resulting in Freddie Taylor scoring the winner with seconds to go. The final whistle saw elation from Stortford’s players and supporters alike, reflecting how much of a tough contest it was.
