Coming off the back of two wins and confidence high, Milton Keynes 2s hosted Wallingford in what was a keenly fought game through-out, with the fines kitties on both sides topped up nicely.

Wallingford got off to a fast start creating several chances, eventually scoring off a rebound to go up early doors. MK upped their game after this with midfield duo of James Evans and Toby King driving forward resulting in several short corners. Off the first of these, Callum Clarke beat the keeper, only to watch the post-man clip the ball over the bar to keep the score at 1-0. It was then MK’s turn to clear one off the line, with Ryan Gawley again coming to the rescue to keep the score at 1-0.

Shortly after, Vaughn Watson won the ball in the middle, and drove the ball towards the opposition, slipping the ball to Declan Lygo-Baker in the D. Declan continued to show maturity beyond is age, playing the ball around the advancing keeper to Dave Breuilly to put the ball in the empty net. 1-1. Shortly after MK won the ball high up on right-hand side, with great work from Arthur Lendon driving along the baseline putting the ball across goal. From the ensuing scramble Dave does what he does best at picking up the loose ball and grabbing his second goal of the game.

The rest of the first half became much of a stalemate, with both teams showing composure at the back, working the ball around looking for openings, but no clear chances forth-coming. MK had a bit of scare at the end of the first half when Grant Webster became the first player of the day to take a rest for a typically robust challenge, but Sam Spencer was able to keep out the resulting short corners to leave MK 2-1 up at the break.

MK came out the blocks fast in the second half, with Toby again showing good work along the baseline before chipping the ball past the keeper for Callum, eyes shut, to swat home and extend the home sides lead. After that the game opened up more in the second half, with the pocket-sized dynamic duo of Arthur and Vaughn working tirelessly in the middle to break up play and get MK on the front foot. As Wallingford continued to keep the ball well round the back looking for players out wide, the full backs of Stuart Bradley and Ryan stepped-up to continuously snuff out the danger.

With Wallingford down to 10 men, Arthur then became the second MK player in the book after not understanding the 5 yard rule, swiftly followed by James with one foul too many in the middle of the park. With fewer players on the pitch, the game became very open, but Sam Bushell and Grant continued to remain resolute in defence and composed in position to see MK maintain their lead. The MK forwards of Dave McMillan, Declan, Callum and Dave showed willing running until the end, maintaining the press to keep the pressure on Wallingford and holding the ball up high to help see out the game. In the final minutes there was still time for Stuart to take a short break, also not knowing how far 5 yards is (maybe one for training this week!)

Overall a very good closely contested game of hockey, with everyone putting in a shift, with MK extending their unbeaten run.

Man of the match: Arthur Lendon – Great energy through-out, breaking up play at the back and causing havoc up front

Dick of the day: Arthur Lendon – First ever card and topless nipple display after the game