Our Performance Squad headed down to West Hampstead for a pre-season match. Big thanks to our hosts for having us!

The aim of the day was to work on a new formation and a man-to-man press, and there were loads of positives to take away – as well as some decent hockey along the way.

We actually struck first, Martijn rifling a drag flick into the top right corner (keeper had no chance!). West Hampstead then hit back with two goals to make it 2–1 at half time.

Second half saw some brilliant individual efforts – Harri weaving past defenders with silky stick skills, DJ and Martijn solid at the back, and JEvans running himself into the ground as always. The forwards also put in a really disciplined shift pressing high up the pitch.

West Hampstead grabbed four more, but we bookended the game with another Martijn drag flick rocket into the top corner, this time far too powerful for the keeper’s right glove.

Final score: 6–2 to West Hampstead, but plenty of reasons to be optimistic heading into the season.

All topped off with a few rounds of beers at the bar ??

Man of the Match: Gareth – stepped up to the Performance Squad and looked right at home. Quality shift!