Cheam Mens 1s 2 - 4 Woking Men's 2s

We knew we were going to have to be on top of our game to secure a victory against one of the better sides in our league.
We knew any lapse in pressure might allow Woking to capitalise.
We knew that we could beat these guys.

Fielding a strong side Cheam started well with a suprising change in strategy (not really) of Willy being pulled into right back.
A few things became clear early on:

1. Woking were struggling under our intensity and press.
2. Will Gault had the better of the defence.
3. Gunny tried to keep out of the way.
5. Willy had trouble changing from smashing the ball at head height, to passes into the circle on the deck.
4. Koen needed a dresser.

Cheam went one goal ahead (through Ben's début up front) as aerial balls were consistently thrown and picked up by the mid fielders and attack.
At half time, there was an air of confidence and Shags regaled us with his first half impressions.
Eventually Higgo managed to get a word in and then the whistle went to start the second half.

Woking got an early goal in and for a few minutes Cheam resorted to a half court press.
This didn't last very long with Ben and Bolly having runs in the attack and not wanting to be further back than their defensive 23.
Tanners managed to get a stick on a lovely shot, goal bound to steal a goal away from one of his team mates. Standard.
If you care, you may want to ask him for the actual version of events.
I wasn't watching the game really.
With Woking putting in a fantastic shorty and a back stick goal from the base line, Cheam were definitely on the back foot.

And then it happened. The moment of the season. The moment of Hans.
It was a thing of beauty.
Koen rotated his hips around to get optimum strength in his cross from a hit near the attacking 23.
Up came his stick and crashed into the ball.
The ball, like a thing possessed screamed towards the circle.
Some did not even see it it was travelling so fast.
Some, but not Diva Hans.
Calm, collected he threw is body in front of the defender, his stick to the ball and from the top of the D, it happened.
Time stopped as the ball, deflecting from the stick of Hans flew into the top left corner of the net.

Celebration, disbelief...people trying to touch Hans, girls screaming, young men fainting.

The whistle.

but not for a goal. What?!?!?!?!
A referral?

No way.

But yes way. Goal denied.

Apparently they couldn't be sure Hans got a touch.

What?!?!

Players swarmed around the umpire. Well Koen and Willy did.
To no avail.

Hans, best goal of his career. Denied.

Hey, better luck next time.

So we lost, yep.

Then Willy managed to get DoD for accusing Ben and Bolly of not scoring, when Ben did.
Then Willy managed to get MoM too, because everyone doesn't want him up front for some reason.
The injustice of it all.

The shirts are cleaned.