Milton Keynes 3s 4-3 Oxford Hawks 4s

Following an improved performance away to Windsor, where they were disappointed not to come away with something, Milton Keynes Mens 3s built on that to sneak a victory against a very strong Oxford Hawks side expected to be near the top of table at the end of the season. Setting out strongly from the start, both sides enjoyed moments of pressure. Oxford Hawks, however, took the lead when they converted a short corner midway through the half. MK did create some good chances but couldn't quite convert them into goals or short corners until near the end of the half, when Will Luther swept the ball home from a short corner routine. The umpire did confer but the goal was awarded. The teams went in level at half-time.

MK were buoyed by the scoreline and Coach Mike made it clear that a win was within grasp should the team make the most of their opportunities. However, the second half started badly and it was Oxford Hawks who capitalised when they broke through on an overload and took a 2-1 lead. MK fought back and equalised through what was easily the goal of the game as Craig Westley charged forward from right-back, eventually ending up the D to blast a rocket past the Oxford Hawks goalkeeper. The was followed up very soon after by another MK break down the right. After the ball was passed around the charging keeper, it fell to Matt Darvell to put it into the empty goal. Some more umpire discussions were held as Oxford Hawks claimed the ball had hit a foot, but the goal stood. Defending that lead was the goal and MK were doing that job well until a cheap short corner. MK's hope of keeping hold of a point were made slightly more difficult when Matt Darvell put into practice one of the lessons from the Will Luther School of Tackling and was carded. Oxford Hawks pressed further, but MK took all the glory when the won it in midfield and broke, allowing Stuart Bull to make a one-time finish just a few minutes left, and give MK all three points and a massive confidence boost.

MoM - Alex Fuller