MK vs Old Georgians

The man who chases two rabbits catches none…

MK travelled down to Surrey for what was potentially their toughest game of the season, against table topping Old Georgians, who had former GB Hockey player and Olympian James Tindall in their midst. However confidence was high after two resounding wins in their previous two games in which they’d scored 10 and only conceded 2.

Returning to the scene of last year’s 14-1 demolition, MK knew this would be both a stern test but most importantly a measurement of how far they’d progressed over the last 18 months. Arriving in good time, MK had time for a succinct CoachDad team talk, where the emphasis was on enjoying the game, keeping the ball and marking closely – especially with the attacking threat OG’s possessed. A saturated and slippy pitch presented itself to the team – but a fluid, calm and effervescent warm up in the mild November Rain had the boys prepared well and raring to embrace the challenge ahead.

As the game began, it appeared captain Nick Anderson had missed the memo – re ‘slippy pitch’ and promptly after a solid 20 seconds, managed to plant himself firmly on the floor, although the aforementioned player claimed “this was a trip” it was quite clear, much to the merriment of the vociferous home fans, that he had in fact just ‘stacked it.’ The game began at rapid pace, with OG’s moving the ball round sharply using their midfield and attack to great effect; MK it appeared where giving their opposition too much respect and too much time – this was illustrated within the first 8 minutes as MK quickly found themselves 2-0 – Tindall with two clinical finishes. Slowly but surely MK grew in confidence with Tom Anderson, Scott Craig, Andrew Pettefer and Ian Cooper in the defensive line moving the ball around calmly and concisely. Unfortunately just as MK were creating pressure OG’s won a short corner and promptly put it away – wrong footing the otherwise excellent Nick Gage – 3-0. However this is a new MK team, with increased vigour and resolve. The positive play continued and the forward line of Ali McColl, Mikey Goalson (not this week unfortunately though) and Eric Watkins working tirelessly and causing the OG backline plenty of problems. This was rewarded after lovely build up play on the right from Gilson on the baseline, resulting McColl coolly passing the ball across to Liam (Leroy) Foster to tuck the ball into an empty goal – 3-1. What then followed was a flowing game, which was a great advert for the game of hockey, MK matching their table topping opposition stride for stride all over the pitch – and all of sudden MK started to take control the game and in no time at all in was 3-2 – Leroy with another strong finish off his back foot. With a minute to go until half time McColl with his usual tenacity won MK a short, after a deliberate Jamie Dodd ground to ground drag, Leroy pounced for his Hat trick, neatly deflecting the ball past the OG’s keeper 3-3 at HT. What a half of hockey – that left home team and fans stunned.

Although MK were in the ascendancy, the second half did not continue in the same vain. OG’s were 5-3 up within 5 minutes of the restart – MK were guilty of getting embroiled and losing their calm on the ball and throughout the pitch – a big compliment to MK however as OG’s were clearly rattled. The second half was tight affair, with Stephen Ruse and Frazer McColl closing down and hustling the opposition at every opportunity, in the middle of the park the calmness of Tom Murtagh added cohesion and distribution. Unfortunately the lead was increased to 6-3 mid way through the half and all of sudden the hard work MK had put in throughout the game was starting to come undone. This however is a measure of how far MK of come, they continued to work, press and distribute – this was eventually rewarded with another goal from a short; a reverse stick finish into the roof of the net and 4 for Leroy! MK once again sensed a comeback, however it was not to be; traveling with the ball too much led to their pocket picked, Tindall picked up the ball and running into the D with Gage on rushing, lobbed the ball on the run with his reverse stick over the helpless keeper. MK continued to work until the end – however the backboards were not to be rattled again – an 11 goal thriller – in this reporters opinion they will not face many tougher home games this season.

Although a 7-4 defeat MK can be immensely proud of this performance against the league leaders and it is a real reflection of how far they have come as a team and how much they still have to give. They now look forward to Saturday’s game at home against second place Havant (12.30 start – free entry and all support would be greatly appreciated), with a real chance and belief of gaining a result.

MOM – Leroy – 4 goals – unanimous decision
DOD – Coops (a contentious decision)