Milton Keynes 1st XI 1 - 0 Hampstead & Westminster HC 2nd XI

MK started the season with a win for the first time in 10 years sending Hampstead & Westminster home with no points.

The atmosphere at the pitch was electric despite the seventy minutes only producing one goal. Italian midfielder, Giacomo Palmiero, provided his third goal in as many games against the London side, cementing the victory with a reverse stick strike. The goal illustrated the team's commitment to this season and teams should not underestimate the set-up at MKHC.

Coaches Brett Holland and Paul ‘Ian’ Knight will be delighted their work has paid off as Milton Keynes starts with a win. Captaining the side for the first time, Ian Cooper, expected nothing less from the side and will continue to improve the team alongside Holland and Knight.

The game was a defensive masterclass from the home team who also created more threats on goal. Charlie Page was outstanding in continually breaking the London sides attacks. Whilst in midfield, debutant Matty Wilson brought a determined performance to the visitors and Tom Murtagh also displayed his dedication to crossfit during lockdown with enough in the tank at the end of the game to hold possession deep in Hampstead and Westminster's half.

The game was not without its controversies. The biggest incident being a disallowed goal from preseason specialist, Joe Skinner. There was also a yellow card for MK, fortunately for the assailant, Palmiero scored during the time the home side were down to 10-men.

The team will go into Banbury away next week with the hunger to continue their start of the 2020/21 season, in what promises to be a fiercely contested local derby.