Having enjoyed a taste of 3 points last week, Brentwood were backed with confidence as they hosted St. Ives at Beckett keys.

The match started frantically, with both teams wasting no time in attacking. The opening minutes were testing but several key saves from Ian Malone in goal kept Brentwood in the game, as they lacked the composure on the ball that they had shown last week; forcing play and turning-over possession. Brentwood secured the ball on the break, and passed the ball around the Ives defence smoothly as Alex Henderson beat the keeper and James Duggan fired the ball into the open goal to give Brentwood the lead. As quickly as they gained the lead, Brentwood relinquished it as ill-disciplined defending lead to two goals on the counter-attack for St. Ives. Shortly before half time, Brentwood drew level as Steven Naven found himself on the end of a great team-passing move, as he rolled around the keeper before roofing the ball in the goal. The half ended tied, as neither team made a particularly convincing performance.

The second half started and Brentwood found themselves shortly to be a goal down again as they desperately needed to step up a gear and show composure on the ball. Brentwood had enjoyed little success in converting opportunities on the counter, until Steven Naven fed through to Nick Hull, who delicately lobbed the keeper to restore the stalemate. Brentwood received a scare as St. Ives were awarded a penalty flick for a foot on the line, although they failed to convert. Although still shaky, Brentwood began to find a rhythm, linking passes well. Nice interplay with Steven Naven and James Duggan saw Steve dummy and beat the keeper on his reverse for James to tap in from close as Brentwood took the lead. The game was back and forth, but the Brentwood defence was as tough as woodpecker lips and managed to keep St. Ives at bay. Brentwood didn't look entirely comfortable, despite their one-goal cushion, although tensions were eased as they won a short corner in the closing stages. It was stuck as sweet as a jelly baby by Steven Naven at the top of the circle to extend the lead and close out the match. It was a scrappy win Brentwood will be pleased to take the points as the game ended 5-3.

Photos posted on Brentwood Gazette here:
http://www.brentwoodgazette.co.uk/pictures/PICTURES-Men-s-Hockey-Brentwood-V-St-Ives/pictures-23105824-detail/pictures.html#2