Match Report

Men's Vets 3
Guildford Gondoliers 2
Win

Haslemere Vets 3: Guildford Gondoliers 2



Haslemere Vets sought to avenge themselves for the defeat earlier in the season at the hands of local rivals Guildford and approached the game full of confidence following a month-long run that had seen them playing their best hockey of the season. This confidence soon appeared to be either misplaced or overblown, however, as the tight passing game that had seen them dominate opponents in previous weeks failed to materialise.


Although chances were created, so too were they afforded the opposition and it was Guildford that capitalised on one of these to take the lead and go into the break 1–0 up.


But, for once, the team appeared actually to have listened to Mike Milne-Home’s half-time talk and reappeared for the second period an almost unrecognisable unit. Pressing further up the field, they allowed Guildford no space and pressured them into mistakes. It was little surprise that Simon Prichard took advantage of a loose ball to level the scores shortly afterwards. With the pressure continuing to tell, Nigel Skeffington slotted home a second on the reverse stick, following a goalmouth scramble and the stage looked set for certain victory.



Despite numerous opportunities, however, further goals were not forthcoming. Prichard and Iain Lynch hit one post each and the Guildford ‘keeper pulled off a string of fine saves to keep them in the running.



With so many resources deployed in attack, there was always a danger of being exposed at the back and Guildford duly exploited this to equalise and set up a frantic final few minutes that saw Halsemere seeking the winning goal they believed their display warranted. Just as it appeared that time had run out despite continuing efforts, the ball lobbed off the ‘keeper’s pads towards Prichard, who found himself in the unpromising position of about a 10 degree angle on the reverse stick. The half volley that ensued was a shot in a million, however, and the reception that greeted the sound of the ball hitting the backboard betrayed elements of both delight and relief.



A hard-fought game with no quarter asked or given made for an enjoyable match that tasted all the sweeter to the Haslemere players for the avenging victory.