Although earlier in the season, it would have been a comfortable 3 points against a struggling Basildon outfit, there were a few nerves after the last 2 games had only resulted in 1 point which had allowed the chasing pack of Crostyx and Rochford to close the gap to us at the top of the table.

The standard of the hockey and teamwork had still been really positive however perhaps in the last third of the pitch and in front of goal, we had not been as clinical and firing on all cylinders, which had been the case earlier in the season. All teams will have those times during the season, and it is no difference for the M3s but perhaps this game against Basildon had come at the right time to get some confidence back before the important run end to the season.

It was a bit of a patched-up team, with some fitness and illness concerns during the week leading up to the game but everyone reported knowing the importance to get the valuable 3 points. We started positively and it wasn't long before some early short corner pressure resulted in George scoring the first goal within the first 5 minutes and a fast start. Basildon tactics were clear; it was making sure they defended deep and make it hard for the Old Boys to break down through a busy congested midfield area and experience in their defence.

David scored a second goal, so the win was looking on the cards but perhaps the big swing of goal difference that we were expecting did not arrive and meant we went in 2-0 at half time. There were some conversations and instructions at half time to make sure that our two wingers played high up on the pitch and to use the full width of the pitch, stretching Basildon.

This made a big difference, and the ball was being moved quicker, creating opportunities or to win short corners. Josh was fashioning his new Bumble Bee shirt, heard explaining to the Basildon umpires that his normal shirt was probably in the wash. Josh, for information had not played a game in 2026!! It was time for both Josh and Will to enter the game in the second half and although they may have not been goal of the seasons, they were both on hand to be in the right place at the right time, making sure of some good clever finishes with 4 for Josh and 3 for Will.

There must be a mention for the last goal just before the final whistle, the 3 points were in the bag and although there had been time for some short corner drills before the game, 'Captain Stoner' decided that it was time for him to try and get in on the act and stepped up on the top of the D to receive the ball. Rob looked up in total shock and was probably rightly thinking am I really pushing this out to Darren. Out came the ball, strike on goal by Darren, now this is where there are two versions of events, Darren felt the strike was arrowing into the bottom corner and Josh view was that it was going wide, and he made sure he deflected to ensure it went in. If only we had VAR to check afterwards!

Anyway, game over, job done with 3 points secured and 9-0 victory secured to boost the impressive goal difference. Credit also goes to Basildon who are having a tough season and now have a -100 goal difference for the season but they continue to play with credit and good spirit.

Some really good performances, with naturally Will and Josh topping the nominations with the 7 second half goals between them, also mention to George that led the line and made a nuisance of himself. The winner this week goes to Josh 'Bumble Bee' Ashby for his 4 goals against his former side and mates, that were absolutely delighted to see him score!! Well played Josh and well deserved.

We now move to the last 3 games of the season knowing that both promotion and winning the league is still in our hands, however we have some difficult games against Tower Hamlets, Upminster & Old Loughts to get us over the line. We move on with confidence again into next week’s game.

Goals: George, David, Will x 3, Josh x 4
MOM: Josh
Jacket of Shame: Josh (Bumble Bee Shirt and excuse for shirt being in wash for over 2 months!)