Men’s 1s: hard-working Epsom win at Bermondsey
London Academicals: 1
Epsom: 3 (Keast, Barker, Cross)
Epsom travelled to Bermondsey to take on London Academicals, a long journey made simple under the expert guidance of travel co-ordinator Alex Bond. This was an important game for both sides heading into the Christmas break but all was put in perspective by a poignant speech and minute’s silence for former Academicals stalwart Deep Bolina, our thoughts are with his family and the club.
London Academicals started very sharply and attacked constantly in the first 10 minutes. Some defensive heroics saw Angus Keast, James Hunt and Alex Bond all injured, the latter two for the rest of the game. Having weathered this storm, Epsom won a short corner and Keast, back on the field, powered home a bullet dragflick for 1-0. Smash and grab of the highest order. Academicals continued to press but Epsom worked hard in defence and as the first half wore on engineered a few counterattack chances; Josh Glasford and Keast drew brilliant saves from the Academicals ‘keeper and it was very much in the balance at half-time at 1-0. Academicals also started the second half but Epsom looked well organised and were back up by some more brilliant saves from Andrew Campbell. Eventually a low dragflick crept agonisingly through Campbell for 1-1. Epsom immediately engineered a spell of pressure with a smart finish from Adam Barker making it 2-1. Epsom now had their strongest spell and several short corners followed; auxiliary flicker Jake Davies drew another brilliant save from Academicals keeper. At the next corner, Keast was summoned; his flick was saved but the rebound fell to injector Olly Cross who snapped up his first ever Epsom goal making it 3-1. There were 10 minutes to go and Epsom continued to work hard and frustrated Academicals in the final 10 minutes. The visitors won a final short corner with a minute to go, but it was flicked wide and Epsom saw out a big three points. This was a very brave result achieved effectively with a squad of just 12 from 10 minutes onwards. Ten (very) tired bodies made it out to Clapham Junction on the way home for a few beers! The side have just one game left before Christmas, at home to Blackheath.
The post Men’s 1s: hard-working Epsom win at Bermondsey appeared first on Epsom Hockey Club.