Brentwood 1st XI vs Spalding 1st XI

Brentwood hosted league leaders Spalding in what was going to a tough physical contest against a team which could score many goals. Brentwood did not need to be reminded of Spalding's prowess upfront as they quickly went ahead from a penalty corner before soon adding another. It began to look ominous for Brentwood who struggled to put passes together or gain much meaningful possession in the opposition half.

However Spalding did not score again as Brentwood began to feel their feet in the game, winning a short corner and converting through Steven Naven to reduce the deficit. Brentwood were beginning to play the better hockey as the half drew to an end.

Continuing from where they left off, Brentwood moved the ball confidently and were rewarded for their efforts as Jak Taylor went on a weaving run to put James Duggan through on goal. Spalding had been placed on the back foot and it seemed as though they couldn't keep out the surging Brentwood attack, and were caught on the counter to concede a clear penalty-flick following a foot in front of an open goal.

The flick was taken and converted by Ian Forbes to take Brentwood ahead for the first time in the match. Brentwood lost concentration after this and almost immediately conceded to bring scores level again. Frantic hockey from Brentwood followed, showing little of the team which had just fought back from two goals down. Clinical finishing from Spalding put them ahead again, and they later scored another, as Brentwood left themselves exposed at the back looking for the equalising goal.

A late Consolation goal came for James Duggan although there was little else Brentwood could do as the final whistle soon sounded and the game ended 5-4 to Spalding.