Men's 4th XI Vs Belper 8

On the mud based pitch at Belper a 12 man team played out the battle of the bottom. Separated by goal difference the fours took on the team immediately below them in the league.

We started brightly challenging the goal on several occasions. Then Belper woke up and started moving the ball through their experienced midfield. We were on the back foot and a shot struck with venom which would have gone wide deflected of the Belper forwards stick as he was protecting himself and rasped the beck of the net. 1:0 Belper. South pushed again and kept strong but ended the half one down. Stan and Cole had stood out in the first half Stan with some fantastic first touches and Cole snapping at the heels in defence and making great moves forward.

The second half began and whilst south were worried a few times things started happening. A short given was played in and Ken struck, nutmegging the man on the line 1:1. Could it happen - could this match played in drizzle and with the older players all starting to feel their bones and muscles ache be won by south? A move started from the back went through possibly ever player on the team was taken into the D by Mikey who slotted it home past despairing defender and keeper. South had a lead 2:1. Belper rallied. Adam held the right, Graham held the left. Tony held his breath and Norman got bundled over by their powerful midfielder. He was off. Mr Cadman was back on for the final frenetic 5 minutes to assist in stopping Belper ruining this potentially momentous occasion. On fading legs in continuing rain the whistle went. Full time. South Nottingham Hockey Club 4th team 2 Belper 1. 3 points a W an absolute delight.