Men's 4’s vs Chelmsford 8’s

Havering opened on the front foot, looking to make early pressure count and gain an early goal advantage. Plenty of slick play across the pitch caused the requisite pressure, with a number of penalty corners earned, but the Chelmsford defence held resolute and Havering struggled to make a breakthrough.

Patience was key, in many previous games this season, failure to make a breakthrough had led to frustration and a negative effect on the Havering output. Havering introduced Andy Greenhalgh into the game midway through the first half, welcoming him back after a long term injury, his last game being at the start of last December.

Havering took control of the middle of the pitch, with a rotating quartet of Greenhalgh, James Walker, Tom Mann and the outstanding Paul Mitchley, taking a tight grip, constantly turning over ball and launching attacks down the flanks, with Alex Bilby and Harry Pengelly (another standout performer) forcing the ball into the D and maintaining the flow of penalty corners.

A breakthrough was finally made just before half time, a strike was saved by the Chelmsford keeper from another Penalty Corner, but Havering were able to retain the ball and work it back to Greenhalgh at the top of the D, who hit a bouncing straight shot firmly into the back of the goal.

Havering resumed the second half knowing that patience and concentration were essential and the 1-0 would almost certainly not be enough. Havering started the half as they finished the first, largely on top and in control, although Chelmsford proved that they could be dangerous with quick counter attacks.

The second half largely followed the pattern of the first, although Chelmsfords dogged defence limited Havering to fewer chances. Finally, at the hour mark, Havering struck again. Excellent work by Harry Pengelly on the left wing resulted in a ball to James Willcocks, who drove into the Chelmsford D but realised he had played himself onto his weak side. Rather than take an unlikely shot on himself, Willcocks engineered a sumptuous sweeping cut-back, to hit James Walker who took a touch and then firmly dispatched a decisive shot into the Chelmsford goal.

This strike invigorated Chelmsford and they controlled the final 10 minutes with relentless pressure, with Paul Mitchley doing excellent defensive work in front of the tireless and outstanding back three, which was a rolling three of Andy Heath, Dan White, Tom Mann and the imperious Mo Kundi.

Chelmsford engineered a dangerous into the D in the closing 5 minutes, but keeper Alex Bacarro made a commanding clearance and Havering then saw the remainder of the game out.

A great performance by Havering, with every player making their mark on the game. Havering have a few weeks before their final competitive game away at league leaders, Thurrock, in three weeks time.

Final Score:

HHC MENS 4’s 2- 0 Chelmsford Men’s 8’s