Bedford Men's 2XI Take Dominant Victory.

West Herts have always been a troubling team for us. Last year we were top of the league, they were (near) bottom and we turned up thinking it would be easy. We were wrong. We ended up losing 4-3 (3-0 down at HT). That loss turned out of be one of the two or three losses that cost us promotion.

This year, we were under no illusions that they would try their best to upset our title challenge again.

First Half
For most, if not all, of the game Bedford looked the better team, with most of the possession and no real threat to our D. However, a lucky counter attack saw West Herts win a short, which after a lot of fumbling around, was slotted home (via Gio's stick) to put Bedford 1-0 down. However, this did not deter Bedford. We kept our heads up and continued to trust our style of hockey, working hard for eachother. This faith was rewarded with an equaliser a mere 2 minutes later. Steven Adams intercepted a rogue pass from West Herts in the centre of the pitch and on the counter passed it to Joshua Fisher, who was waiting in their D. He then managed to find Matthew Dadd on the back post who expertly deflected it in.

Not more than 3 minutes later, Bedford were on the attack again. Tommy Constant taking a sideline ball, quickly passed it to Adams who dribbled it across the base line and slipped it through the keepers legs to Adam Priston waiting behind him with an open goal.

Bedford were on fire, controlling the game and not giving away possession. Immy and Jack Kempe were running the midfield like clockwork with their leads and distribution. This ultimately lead to a 3rd goal when the ball was passed to Steven Adams, who ran it down the right hand side and slotted it under is arm to a chasing Tommy Constant. He scored with a sliding, first time slap hit. The euphoria of his rather impressive goal was short lived when the other 20 something people present at the pitch had to watch his awful celebration.

Two further goals came from Tom Blythman and Matthew Dadd, with assists coming from Jack Kempe and Tom Blythman respectively.

Half time - 5-1
The half time team talk was very positive. Enjoy the game, keeping playing as we are, same intensity... our 4 goal lead changes nothing. In the Second half it was 0-0.

Second Half
We started the second half a little slower than the first, but we still dominated the game. In fact Jon Lord was barely troubled at all throughout the second half.

Adam Priston extended our lead by another 2 goals, sealing his hat-trick at the same time. His assists came from Matthew Dadd and Daniel Smith. One of his goals deserves special mention. Someone has shot at goal, either Daniel Smith or Matthew Dadd, but the keeper has fumbled and popped it into the air right above his head. It resembled the start of a basketball match, where the referee tosses up the ball rather than a hockey match. However, Priston reaches up and just taps the ball behind him and walks away.

Our work on quickly utilising free hits inside the 23 has clearly worked - displayed beautifully with the goal that came next. Tom Blythman has posted up form inside the D, receives it and slips the ball into the path of the charging Tommy Constant who casually pushes the ball home like he's not even trying. Its a shame his awful celebration ruined the glory again!

Our 9th an final goal came in the form of multiple deflections. Dan Smith (I believe) has charged down the left and had an effort on goal. The ball however only reaches Matthew Dadd who deflects it up and over the keeper - but unfortunately not on target. However, Joshua Fisher was on the back post to deflect it home.

Bedford Just continued to press high and put the pressure on the clearly rattled West Herts defence. We saw out a game in which we won 9-1 and scored all 10 goals. A solid effort was made by all. Everyone was playing in sync and clicking well, and when that happens there's not really much that can beat us. The umpires even congratulated us on what was "one of the best hockey matches to watch".

As captain I repeat 3 things each week:

1. We are a TEAM, not 11 individuals - So we give 100% for each other, we don't argue, we trust each other and the formation.
2. We play OUR hockey - We do not get involved in the politics of the game, no chat back to umpires, no squirming with the opposition, let our hockey do the talking.
3. Every game is a top of the table clash - We don't concern ourselves with league tables, we treat each team as if they are as good as us, making us up our own game.

When the team unites and meets each of these, we achieve results like this. I've had bigger wins before, with many more goals, but never have I had such a dominant display of high quality hockey and professional attitude. Promotion is now very much a realistic objective.

We enter the run into Christmas in strong position, with 2 games left we must seize this opportunity.

MoM: Tom Blythman - despite being horrendously hungover, put in the performance of a lifetime.
DoD: Tommy Constant - For the aforementioned woeful celebrating.