Cheam Men's 2s 2 - 3 Barnes Men's 4s

Hockey was put into perspective last week. As a mark of respect Cheam 2s and Barnes stood together for a minute’s silence to mark the atrocities in Paris the night before.

Author’s note – I’ve had very little sleep and recollections are hazy in parts… So the timeline of events may not be 100% accurate… although the events will be reported with both accuracy and the promise to never let the truth interfere with a good story.

The weather conditions were harsh, and from the start the game was physical and played at pace.

As we have seen all season, Cheam were dominant for long periods of the game. The ball moved quickly and well from the back and sound distribution through the midfield.
The usual stutters though with the final pass and shots on goal.

Cheam scored first with a ball drilled in for a lunging Shep (Steve Shepherd) to poke it past the oncoming keeper. 1-0 Cheam machine

Cheam held a lot of the possession and again, as we’ve seen a fair amount this season were hit on the break with the Barnes attacking midfield managing ot overload the defence and have free players at every turn. We’ll get it right at some point!

These overloads resulted in a number of short corners. One of which was deflected past the Cheam keeper. Credit where it’s due, new father Madders (Richard Eggleton) shook off his new-found paternal fatigue and actually called this play before the game. It also didn’t help having new defender Shaun Browne sent to halfway for getting over excited and shooting off too early. We’ll talk to Lucy Browne about that. 1-1.

This goal galvanised Cheam and a 10-minute period of possession and forward pressure followed – but between the Barnes keeper making some saves and some iffy decisions from Cheam attackers, not a great deal came from it.

There was very little yelping and squealing from Badger (Stuart Lawrence) this week. Perhaps it is a key part of his game after all.

Not taking their chances cost Cheam a short while later in the first half. After some pressure from the Barnes attackers and a save/clearance from the Cheam keeper, a ball in found an unmarked Barnes attacker who deflected it past the keeper. 2-1 Barnes

The Cheam keeper got a little grumpy about this and “may” have had a mild talking to from the umpire about gently flicking his stick at the backboard.
We’re special creatures that need special handling. #KAPT

There was another goal for Cheam scored after a scramble in the goalmouth. Shep scoring again. 2-2

Half time is a gap in play that is usually used for inspiration speeches, tactical discussions and planning for the second half.
Unless you are Cheam 2’s resident Inbetweeners extra, Harry Reynolds. The weather was obviously a little too much for this rare and ever so sensitive flower…. Who stated he needed to be substituted so he could call Daddy Reyolds to get a towel dropped off…. Our delicate blossom wanted a hot shower to warm up….

Given the supporting and nurturing atmosphere in the Cheam MEN’S 2s he was roundly slapped, told to harden up and remained on the pitch…

The second half was very much like the first. Many forays forward by Cheam, and again little to show for it. Some incidents of note include Ben Gibson finding himself in the heady heights of the opposition D. The altitude must have gotten to him, as a one-on-one with the oppo keeper turned into what some are calling a “bottled attempt”. A kinder interpretation would be he was being team spirited in holding onto the ball and looking for a pass. That is for the readership to decide.

Because consistency is a big part of his game Captain Andy Cooper decided that he couldn’t let a match go without a suicide pass. Thankfully the Cheam keeper was sharp enough to cover his D and slide out to clear the ball with his stick (you are welcome!), getting a boot to the head (2nd this season) for his trouble.
Confidence is also a big part of his game. So confident was he in fact, that despite playing in a new position, he decided that he didn’t need to listen to calls from his team mates behind him… Although given his age, it could just be hearing loss.

Cheam were yet again made to pay for not taking their chances. Cheam’s keeper made a save from an unmarked Barnes attacker, but the rebound fell to another (unmarked) attacker who flicked the ball into the Cheam net. 3-2 Barnes.

It was clear again at the end of the game that Cheam had given their all. You can’t ask for more than that. Well you can…. Some more goals please!

(And perhaps try not letting as many in keeper!)

Man of the Match - Shep

DoD - Harry Reynolds