Saffron Waldom 5s vs Havering 3s

The 3s looked to bounce back from their defeat the previous week by Chelmsford and this time returned to their home turf to host Saffron Walden 5s. Knowing the opposition were in a better position in the table the boys had their task cut out for them in trying to get a positive result.

The home team did not disappoint however, taking to the field and settling in quickly with a number of strong attacks against the opposition. Constant pressure from James Downey and Terry Turner so both players with good opportunities if not for some brilliant goalkeeping from the Saffron Walden GK. Havering did their best to keep the pressure up however, and this eventually paid off.

The first short corner of the game produced the lead that the home team desired. A brilliant injection from Richard Cast to the top of the D allowed Leo Yang to fire into the bottom right of the Saffron Walden goal in only 13 minutes; a deserved lead after constant pressure from the boys in black.

Saffron Walden didn't rest upon going down however, with the away team also applying pressure on the home defence. Havering stood strong for a number of attacks, but could not prevent a short corner, initially well saved by keeper Lonnie Yang, but deflecting fortunately to an unmarked Saffron Walden player to sweep past the home GK, with Havering leading for only 5 minutes in total.

Half time saw the teams go in a goal apiece; an extremely evenly matched game with the balance well poised.

Havering started the second half as the weaker side and struggled to find their top gear, with James Willcocks missing due to an injury and Saffron Walden on the ascendancy. However, with the introduction of James Downey to his favoured left mid position, a trademark mazy run led to a pass in on goal, finished by Will Tang after a goalmouth scramble and putting the home side 2-1 ahead on the scoreline.

Walden continued to press with urgency and somewhat shutting out any fluid movements of Havering's. Eli Cook did well in moments in the game as the outlet for the home team, although the forwards could not find a meaningful chance to convert.

A frantic last 10 minutes of defending saw the home team cling on to one of the hardest fought battles of the season. A huge well-done and credit to the away side for some brilliant hockey played, and wonderful showing to the home team for bouncing back from last week's heavy defeat and for the composure to see out a win even when they weren't operating at their usual best.

FT Havering 3s 2-1 Saffron Walden 5s