EG Men's 5s 2 - 7 Middleton & Bognor 2s

Sussex Open League Div 2

With the expected number of cry-offs for the last long road trip of the year, a hardy group of 11 EG souls set off for Bognor to face the promotion chasing M&B 2nd XI.

Under fire from the off against a strong Bognor side, EG weathered early pressure well, only to finally fall behind from a sharp slip movement on the home sides third short corner. Not losing heart, EG dug deep and

managed to find their passing game, playing some excellent hockey in the process.

Work rate paid off as Zak Taylor picked up on a midfield passing move, before threading his way past at least 5 defenders, and beating the 'keeper with a thunderbolt strike for 1 all. Unfortunately, the excitement

seemed to get the better of Grinstead, as Bognor retook the lead almost directly from the restart, the visitors obviously still reliving the goal as defensive inattention proved costly once again.

Bognor extended their lead before half time, only for EG to peg them back after the break. The goal was arguably set up by John Wykes, who seemed to have once again attracted the attentions of a sniper. With Wykes inexplicably rolling around on the floor, Andy Jackson took advantage of the confusion to slot home his 5th goal of the year.

Not for the first time this season however, the final 20 minutes became a touch one sided. Already tiring, and pushing hard for more goals - Wykes, Tim Russell, and Matyn Cremin all coming close - EG allowed the home side to pad the score a little beyond what was possibly deserved.

So again another strong team performance against a better quality opposition, but sadly, once again, no more points to aid in a tight relegation battle.

Team: Thomson, Nash, Edwards, Thorburn, Hurrell, Taylor, Lamy, Cremin, Wykes, Jackson, Russell

Scorers: Z Taylor, A Jackson

PS - Forthcoming attraction - foolishly disparaging to England's chances in the Rugby, Hugo foolishly promised to perform the National Anthem should the unthinkable happen, and France lose. Time and place will be announced soon :o)