Half times at our level of hockey is difficult. The messages are invariably similar or the same across most games (move the ball, work harder, work for each other don’t run in flat sticks, easy pass etc) and captains have to work hard at landing these messages and mixing it up. I’ve been there and got that particular t-shirt.

So, it’s great when the half time pays off. To quote Chris in the group chat “great to see things we wanted to tune up at half time make a difference.” To right. All the adults get involved where we can to support the messages of the captain but step forward John Beach. What do you want, what do you need when trying to land a message that has been provided on many occasions. I’ll tell you what you need, you need a brand new metaphor. The comparison of a youth player to a flower growing in its pot but needing to come out and spread itself was frankly the work of pure unadulterated genius. This is going in the match report I thought as John added a visual demonstration of him as a flower constrained by the flower pot and then spreading himself to demonstrate how the youth can stretch and defend the ball keeping opposition at bay. Not only was this helpful for the youth players its also helpful for struggling match report writers needing to find a couple of hundred words.

But apparently this is a match report and not a half time report so either side of this a game of hockey was played. The game itself was also a bit of a cracker. Thurrock are a handy team. Plenty of experience and some legs as well. A dangerous combination in div 5SE. We did as we generally do started ok. The opening exchanges were interesting as both teams started to feel each other out. I always prefer to play against a side who have a clear mode of attacking, through the middle or wide but Thurrock were comfortable coming at you wherever the space presented itself, which was frankly a bit annoying and meant plenty of running for midfielders. We had a few moments in the first half. Rob had a shot, we had a short for the thinnest of edges off a foot that was overturned, we had the ball under the keepers body at one point. These clever experienced keepers giving it the ‘I’m really trying hard to get up honest guv’ whilst pressing down hard on the ball with their leg pads. Never fails that one. Either the umpire is an outfield player who falls for it or is a goal keeper and plays their union card. Still, I’ve seen Brentwood keepers do the same so I doff my cap to you all you mad mad people.

But when the first half ended it was a relief. Thurrock were very much in the ascendancy. Lots of short corners and they were effectively camped in our half. But we held out. At times it was chaotic, at times it was fortunate, at times it was excellent defending and communication but bottom line we held out.

The second half I actually find quite difficult to sum up. Thurrock had the better of it – no question. More ball and more territory. But whereas the first half we held out by hook or by crook, the second half felt more like we held out properly. By that I mean excellent defending and communication. Yes Thurrock absolutely thrashed us on the short corner count and we had to change up runners to cope but I never really felt like we were caught short. Open play felt controllable. And we could have nicked it. Not clear cut, gilt edge chances but the ball flashing across the goal with attacking sticks close by. Even late on we were able to get players into the D. It played a part in limiting the numbers they could commit forward. We retained an attacking game that needed to be respected.

So the youth, the point of the enterprise. Scott Parsons excellent making a number of key saves. We knew he was in good nick during the warm up when he treated a shot from Rob going top corner with absolute and total contempt. Scott was the over competitive Dad to Rob’s child saying through his actions “comeback to me son when you can present me with a challenge.” Charlie Sanders continues to grow each week. Not literally obviously, if these were Victorian times he’d be one of the small people we’d send up chimneys, I mean as a player. William McKay got a one-to-one training session during warm ups. I wasn’t privy to what was said but it worked. He ended up playing a variety of positions and I noted to his coach/Dad post-match how well he grew into the game. He was an excellent link player later on. Aiden was always showing and working. Speaking of working Isaac Minor showed up all over and was a willing and effective working back and forward. James Warner also showed up brightly and I reckon would have had excellent pass completion stats if we kept them. Sam Severn showed real intelligent movement. When we were under the cosh in the first half my pre scan was always searching him out. He is learning that playing up front can be a thankless task. Lots of unrewarded movement but showed real development and in the second half saw more of the ball and was involved in our best attacking moments.

Overall, a really good game to play in. This team has developed. If the season started now this team would not be where we are in the league. If’s and buts I guess but this team is moving in the right direction and a pleasure to play for.

Team: Scott Parsons, Simon Parsons, John Beach, Rob Musk, Colin Singleton, Chris Minor, Rob Saunders, Issac Minor, Aiden Pass, Sam Severn, William McKay, Sam Severn, James Warner, Charlie Saunders, Gary MacDonnell,

Man of the Match: Sam Severn. See above.