Mens 4th XI vs Alton 2

Trojans 4's came into todays game on a good run of wins, but today's opposition were above near the top of the table. The team felt the position flattered them as we could see they had played all the lowest sides so far, but Matt's Captain's team talk warned us to avoid complacency

Right from the off, Trojans 4's pushed forward and Ryan Link had a great chance to put us 1 up in the first minute. Sadly his "golden" reverse stick deflected just the wrong side of the post. After a solid 15 minutes of flowing hockey (Adrian said it was the best we've played this season!) we won a short corner. Ryan Link stepped up and exonerated the earlier miss by drag flicking a beauty into the top corner, one up.

Trojans kept up the pressure with our 3 2 3 2 formation working well and Phil Roche keeping out any efforts from Alton.

After more pressure Trojans broke with a nice 1-2 on the edge of the area and Ryan slotted his second with a powerful shot on his reverse from wide in the D. The play got a little more hectic towards the end of the first half, but Trojans went in 2 up at the break.

Alton came out with revived vigour after the break and passed the ball from the restart, straight back off for a long corner to Trojans!

Alton got more frustrated they couldn't score throughout the 2nd half and eventually they got a green for stick abuse. Trojans kept the pressure on and although Alton had a couple of players who could "jiggle" the ball and get into the D, most of their shots were blasted well wide. Mid way through the 2nd half Trojans got another short corner. Jaffa was keen to have a crack, but Ryan was hot and on for his hatrick, so all agreed, stick with what was working!

Happily Ryan dragged another stunner, down the middle, off the underside of the crossbar and in. The keeper was nowhere near and hardly reacted.

To their credit, Alton kept going with plenty of shots that Phil kept out, but eventually they got a consolation late on. Trojans kept the pressure on and had quite a few more chances too. It ended 3-1 and Alton looked pretty gutted, but the 4's were good for the hard fought win. We march onwards and upwards and the season is going well.

Special mentions to our MOM contenders: Ben, Ryan and Rochie - with Rochie edging it for our player of the game. It was good to see Jacob back and Adrian too (with his Rugby moves on the over eager Alton forwards). Watto won our Golden Moment by bringing down an aerial late on in the game and driving into their D and attempting a weird reverse cross - Hendo caught it on video and you can see it in the attachments.

Fines were awarded at match tea's - next week we're on the road away at Havant - Jaffa Orange.