Men's 2s 5 - 2 Hampstead & Westminster

London League Premier Division

The early push back slot at Saint Hill this week drew with it many similarities to the early Premier League fixture between Manchester United and Arsenal. Two of the league’s heavyweights took to the field knowing that 3 points would keep them in the top two. Despite having home advantage, and an opposition that began the game without a goalkeeper, it was Hampstead that began the brightest and converted an early chance from a penalty corner to take a 1-0 lead.
 

Following the Hampstead re-shuffle, the game settled down and Grinstead began to assert their authority with long periods of possession, and confident transfers around the back. With the spritely Gilkes returning from injury, some clever interplay between Gogarty and Howarth down the right flank presented Gilkes with a tight opportunity on his reverse which he attacked and smashed past the left foot of the Hampstead keeper.
 

Having got back on level terms, it was Grinstead that were in the ascendancy, creating numerous chances down both channels, with Shelton going close. Hampstead were repelled back to their half through strong tackling from Scott and Akande, and presented keeper Bullens with little to do for a large period of the half. Against the run of play, Hampstead won a penalty corner and found the backboard again low to Bullens’ right. With the game approaching half time, concerted Grinstead pressure produced an inch perfect cross from Gogarty for Gilkes to finish with finesse.

With the sides equal at half time, a rousing team talk inspired Grinstead and saw them come out attacking harder and moving the ball with more fluency. A quick free hit from Howarth found Quanchan in space, and a mazy run along the right baseline culminated with a cunning dummy pass and a nutmeg of the Hampstead keeper. It was an embarrassing moment for the keeper, with the skill of Quanchan leaving the keeper floundering, his stick and limbs aimlessly like the tentacles of a drunken octopus.

With 10 minutes to go, and goalkeeper Bullens seemingly redundant in the home goal, Grinstead pushed forward with another incisive attack. A strong run by Wimshurst found Howarth coming though inside, who rounded a Hampstead defender and found Fitzpatrick in space to hammer home number 4. With just minutes remaining, EG were playing with a fervent vigour and a superb team move saw a rapier sharp pass from Fitzpatrick on the left wing find Wimshurst on the right of the D, who coolly slotted a pass inside to Howarth to finish low in the right hand corner.
 

A great team performance, with a number of big performances coming from several players, but the man of the match was Dillett Gilkes for his 2 goals and outstanding versatility at right back. Grinstead have a tough weekend next week with Southgate away on the Saturday and then a 250mile trip to Bowdon of Manchester in the National Cup on Sunday. Nothing less than 2 wins will do for the Cobalt Blue and Whites though.
 

Team: Bullens, Akande, Budden, Scott, Gogarty, Gilkes, Holland, Quanchan, Howarth, Medcalf, Shelton, Wimshurst, Fitzpatrick, Howe.

Scorers: Gilkes (2), Quanchan, Fitzpatrick, Howarth