This week saw the first show of the 4th XI’s early season residency at Warners. What the (actually quite impressive) crowd got was a show that could have graced Las Vegas itself. The singing might have been limited to the showers after the game and luckily there were no tiger-taming related maulings but there were certainly some great performances and a sprinkling of tragedy, comedy, farce and some delightful dancing feet.

Buoyed by the performance last week and welcoming Mark Williams and Sampi to the squad, we had high hopes of a win today and started the game with confidence. Beardo forced a couple of very good saves from the Loughts keeper early but our efforts were rewarded when Ryan added a nice finish to a great move to put us 1-0 up.
Unfortunately the lead didn’t last long and we soon found ourselves 2-1 down. Both goals were goals that we shouldn’t, and with a couple more weeks of playing together, won’t, be conceding. We saw out the first half with only the minor farce of our skipper earning a deserved yellow card. Luckily they think they will be able to reattach most of the bits that came off the guy he tackled. The jacket vote was sealed early

We knew Loughts were there for the taking and after a stern word with ourselves we were much brighter from the start of the second half. We stretched the game, plugged gaps, pressed the ball better and our build up play improved. After a couple of near misses, a sweeping move found Beardo in the D and his showgirl feet did the rest as he made space for himself and slotted home the equaliser. That proved to be merely his matinee performance though. Not long afterwards, another good break saw us awarded a penalty corner which Beardo converted. There were fewer than ten minutes to play, we were looking good and seemed to have the game under control. We thought, and hoped, that we could bring the final curtain down on a good performance. Our first win was within reach. Show business can be cruel. Loughts had one encore in them. With about two minutes to play we turned the ball over to them in midfield. Their break resulted in a penalty comer. They converted it. 3-3.

Inevitably, with such a late equaliser, hearts were broken but we were visibly improved compared to last week and yet again we improved as the game went on. This will be our first point of many.

Ryan had a great game and deservedly won man of the match. Thommo looked magnificent in the jacket. Thanks to everyone for their effort today and all those who were there supporting.

The show must go on and we go again next week. I’m sure beating Chelmsford for our first win will feel just as good as beating Loughts would have done today.