Men 1XI
Matches
Sat 04 Feb 2017  ·  Premier Division 1
Spencer
3
3
Milton Keynes Hockey Club
Men 1XI
MKHC 1st get a point away to Spencer

MKHC 1st get a point away to Spencer

Mikey Gilson8 Feb 2017 - 12:35
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MK miss out on a winner after fatigue sets in due to hours spent on feet before the game

This week's action saw MK take on Spencer, the team they had beaten 3-0 at fortress Woughton earlier on in the season. Sitting one place above MK in the league at the beginning of the day, Spencer had a lot of pride to regain after being rumbled in the previous fixture. The away side travelled by train to the game and arrived two hours before the start time, which left plenty of time to wander through affluent south west London suburbs and admire the home side's club house.

Once the game started it was clear that both sides were up for it as the ball pinged round the pitch, both sides intent on displaying their quality. And if there is one man who is synonymous with quality, it is MK's own Ian Cooper. A dart up the left hand side and a shimmy to the baseline saw him pick up the ball in a dangerous area. Cooper then passed the ball across goal for it to be helped into the net by the opposition goalkeeper; some said luck, others said magnificent foresight, Umpires said 1-0.

Over the next 10 minutes Spencer grew into the game and stifled MK with a solid press which put pressure on the away side deep in their half. An equaliser was scored when Spencer found a man unmarked at the back post for an easy tap in. The press continued after this, yet MK's established centre back partnership of Pettefer and Stone launched aerial after aerial to relieve the pressure on the back line. Unfortunately, the pressure became too much, and a mistrap at the back allowed Spencer behind the back line. With two men in on the keeper, the opposition forward showed good composure to slot home calmly.

Despite this scoreline at half time being 2-1, MK had not been short of chances. Myles "they've done this before" Locke and Steve Ruse both having efforts well saved by the home side's goalkeeper. Haribo was dished out, views on the half were exchanged and MK came out for the second half knowing they were well in the game.

The second half saw an increase in quality from the away side and also some slight lapses in discipline by both teams; yellow and green cards were branded to both sides for infringements more at home on a football pitch. Nevertheless, the game was levelled up 10 minutes into the second half after MK won a series of short corners, many of which were disputed half-heartedly by the opposing defence. After trying a few routines, it was eventually the ever reliable F. McColl who converted and brought the game back to level pegging.

As in keeping with the rest of the game, Spencer responded with some pressure of their own, during which an inexplicable pass to the centre forward by Beachwear Blanco occurred, earning him his first award of the prestigious post-game DOD award. As both sides strived to get on top of the game it became end to end and a real spectacle for the neutrals who lined the terraces. The partisan home support were not disappointed when at a short corner a bobbling slap from the top of the D was saved onto the face of post man Pettefer, after some deliberation the umpires decided to award a penalty stroke, much to the bemusement of players on both sides. The flick was dispatched confidently to give the hosts a one goal lead with 15 minutes remaining.

Then came the real undeniable, unstoppable quality all the men in white knew they were capable of, something so outrageous that it stunned the raucous crowds who had turned up to see just this. Some nice work down the left by A. McColl opened up a channel through to the back post where Mikey Goalson was lurking, as only he does best. A tomahawk swing sent a head height cross towards the back stick, but not within dangerous distance of the absent Spencer defenders. Gilson applied a swashbuckling Kevin Pietersen-esque overhead finish to turn the ball into the top corner with the goalkeeper rooted.

The game continued with ferocious pace until the final whistle with neither side able to do enough to take home all three points. Special mention must go to Man of the Match Ian Cooper who continued his goal scoring form and had a solid game all round. Arguably the highlight of the day was the match tea put out by the hosts and the 5 litre pitchers available on the bar. Thanks must be extended to our opposition for their warm hospitality after the game and such a great match played in a good spirit.

Match details

Match date

Sat 04 Feb 2017

Kickoff

TBC

Competition

Premier Division 1

League position

2
Milton Keynes
3
Spencer
Team overview
Further reading