After returning to winning ways the previous week, Old Boys were ready for the challenge of Tower Hamlets visiting fortress Warners bridge.

The boys were focused on the task in hand, and we knew that it was important that we kept to our game plan, for a fast start and making sure we were on it from minute one. This was definitely the case and Old Boys started in a positive way, pressing high up the pitch and started to move the ball around quickly and accurately.

It was not long before we secured our first short corner of the game, with the ball slipped short right to Adam who made sure of a clinical finish to put us 1-0 within the first 5 minutes. This gave us the positive start that we were after and confidence, however we knew that if we let our standards drop that Tower Hamlets could come back. Our positive hockey continued, Rob and Dan (with his new man bun!!) ensured we pushed up the pitch, making it difficult for Tower Hamlets to get much traction into attacking areas.

With the pressure continuing, another short corner was awarded, as a result this time it came out to David on the top of the D and he hit a clean finish into the bottom corner and before the end of the first half, there was another goal which was bouncing round the D after Tower Hamlets could not clear it, which dropped to George who just about managed to get it past the keeper.

It meant that we went into the break at 3-0, the call at half time was to continue with the way we were playing but make sure that we did not give Tower Hamlets an opportunity to get back into the game and the next goal would be important. It was another fast start by Old Boys to the second half, continuing to push Tower Hamlets back and with Will, Bert, Pete and Adam causing havoc down the wings, the winning of short corners continued. This time it was a change of routine and Pete was in place for a drag flick, which despite previous failed attempts in earlier games, this time he was successful in beating the keeper and his first goal for the M3s.

Old boys were not finished there and we continued to play most of the hockey in the Tower Hamlets half, however when they did have opportunities mainly down their wings with their youngsters, it was cut out by some excellent defending by Liam, Simon & Darren and on one occasion when it got past them, Army was there and he made a diving save to try and keep the clean sheet intact. Tower Hamlets biggest chance of the game came, because of Darren conceding a penalty flick, when he decided that he would get his whole body (literally) behind stopping a penalty corner shot going in, he just did not want to use his stick!! Up stepped Army for his moment of glory and he made a fantastic save (so the balcony spectators thought I understand!) however I can confirm that the shot was actually blazed wide but obviously put off by the intimidating Army!

Old Boys were in no mood to stop at 4-0, and we wanted to make sure that we continued with the attacking to try and increase our goal difference, just in case this becomes important. David intercepting a lose pass out from the back from Tower Hamlets, he drove directly towards the goal and this was his moment of glory in front of the home fans on the balcony, we were just waiting for the goal to ripple however it was a good job that the fence behind is so high, as his shot went high and wide almost going over the outer fence!!

This did not affect David's composure in front of goal, and he did pick up his second goal of the game from a confident low finish and then George picked up his second goal of the game with a clinical show of skills and finish on his reverse stick.

Job done, comfortable 6-0 win but this was down to a real team effort from the squad for the full game, we just played our hockey and made sure that this was our focus. Whilst we might have played parts of games at this high level during the season, this was the complete game from everyone in the excellent hockey played, teamwork and communication which was first rate. It was also nice to be able to do this in front of the home spectators that were pushing the team on at every opportunity.

No game next week, with two games remaining, it is still in our hands and next home game vs Upminster on 14th could be a big day for the M3s!!

Special mention to James & Josh who dealt with the pre-game questions in a professional manner and umpired the game excellently.

MOM - David Jackson
Goals - Adam, George x 2, David x 2, Pete