Mens 2s Maul Middleton

The Mens 2s maintained their push up Sussex Division 1 as five first half goals made light work of a struggling Middleton 1s team. From the onset the 2s played fast flowing possession hockey with Middleton barely touching the ball. Five minutes in a quick transfer from right to left allowed Sam Rea to hit a powerful reverse strike which Seb Daniels to deftly deflected past the stationary keeper. 1-0.

The 2s smothered Middleton, forcing their defence into mistakes. Smart stick skills from Danny Poulsen won the first of many many short corners and Seb Daniels stepped up to smash the ball through the keepers legs. 2-0.

Lewes were dominating now... probably too much so as a marking error allowed Middleton into the Lewes circle and to score with their only shot. 2-1. Not shaken by the lapse in judgement, the midfield of Tom Clinch, Danny Poulsen, Oli Loader and the returning Mike Marchant continued to dominate, winning another short corner. This time Chris Whiting powerfully drag flicked his way onto the score sheet; a nice way to round off his season as he departs for yet another ski season. 3-1 with only 20 minutes played.

The forward line of Seb Daniels, Oliver Amos, Sam Anderson and the returning Max Murray pushed on, pressing high. One such press allowed Max Murray to hit a powerful shot that the keeper could only deflect upwards, allowing Seb Daniels a one yard mid air tap in and a 25 minute hat trick. 4-1.

Shortly before half time, another short corner was saved by the Middleton keeper but Max Murray skilfully latched onto the mid air clearance and smashed in for a 5-1 half time lead.

With the emphasis at half time placed on keeping tight at the back, the second half failed to live up to the first as a combination of improved defending from Middleton and drop in finishing from Lewes saw only one goal go in. However, this was the goal of the game as Tom Clinch’s driving run from midfield and pin point pass picked out clever movement from Mike Marchant who slotted calmly past the onrushing keeper. 5-1.

MOM: goes to both Mike Marchant and Max Murray whose’ return to the team adds drive, determination and skill to an already talented squad.

Next week sees an away double header for the 2s as they first travel to struggling Crowborough in the league on Saturday and then travel to Southampton in the National Cup on Sunday.