The Fortress stands strong!

Old Southendians welcomed Sudbury to the Fortress for what turned out to be a nine-goal thriller, with the hosts running out 6–3 winners in an entertaining afternoon of hockey.

The Old Boys got off to the perfect start, winning a penalty flick which Alfie calmly slotted away to put the hosts 1–0 up. Sudbury responded with two goals from open play, their striker proving to be a handful and firing past our keeper at a rate of knots to turn the game on its head.

Enter Will M! He found the back of the net to bring the Old Boys back into the contest, and from there, the floodgates well and truly opened. Ben decided he fancied a piece of the action, bagging two goals from open play before half-time to give Southendians a commanding 4–2 lead at the break.

The second half started with both teams coming out firing, and Sudbury struck first to reduce the deficit to 4–3, setting up a nervy finish. But the Fortress doesn’t surrender that easily!

The Old Boys responded with a short corner routine so complicated it probably needed its own instruction manual, but effective enough to see Jonty finish from the baseline and restore the two-goal cushion.

Then came the moment everyone was waiting for. Ben stepped up at another short corner to complete his hat-trick and put the result beyond doubt, sealing a fantastic 6–3 victory for the hosts.

A brilliant team performance, nine goals for the spectators to enjoy and another three points secured at the Fortress!

? Man of the Match: Luke, for an excellent performance.

? Jacket of Shame: Dave for having a birthday