Brentwood M 1st X1 - 4 Witham - 2

Brentwood Hockey Club Men’s 1st XI vs Witham Men’s 1st XI

Becket Keys School
30/09/23 – 14:15
Final score: 4 - 2

Andy Turner
Brady Doyle
Colin Bannell (VC)
Derry Mager
George Lilley (C)
Jacob Macdonnell
Matt Hadley
Owen Smith (GK)
Paddy Wilson
Simon Chambers
Steve Gilchrist
Tom Anderson
Tom Creswell
Tristan Barnes

Henry Macdonnell (Cameraman)
Alan Lindsay (Coach)

Brentwood went into the game eager to carry on their winning streak, beating Braintree 5-2 last week, and that they did but not without difficulty…!
Confidence was sky high going into the game, word from last week’s opposition was that the well-oiled Brentwood machine they had just faced would be a cut above Witham so 3 points should be a comfortable expectation.

Brentwood’s warm up looked sharp, it was clear to see even before the game that the team displayed the upper hand, the Witham side performed a far less structured warm-up routine - they didn’t look up for it. Brentwood were basically one up before they hit the pitch.

The beginning of the game was nothing but positive as, even with a shock illness in the morning, Andy opened the scoring within minutes thanks to a beautiful reverse shot that found the back of the net. The Witham keeper didn’t stand a chance.

Brentwood seemed to drop off a little as the game continued, but thanks to Big T’s goal line clearance aided by his freakishly long arms, Witham did not level the scoreline. Big T already making his mark on what was his second cap for the 1st team.

Brentwood continued to play as if they’d never met, it was like watching 11 strangers on the pitch! The team went through a spell of being unable to keep the ball for more than 2 passes but Witham were unable to take advantage.

Brentwood found some form and made it 2-0. Tom ‘Chef’ Creswell with a lovely cut back and frankly an easy finish that everyone (other than Jacob and Brady) would be able to score. 2-0 up and Brentwood looking dominant, it got worse for Witham who found themselves down to 10 men as a player was shown green for talking to the umpire…. tut tut!

Later on in the first half Tristan gave away a penalty flick. Apparently Tristan had been in the ear of the forwards all game about National Transit Day but turns out his opposing number was a Volvo employee so Tristan decided to take matters into his own hands. Unfortunately, it did not go un-noticed by the umpire!

Goalkeeper ‘Big O’ Owen was left with the task of maintaining the clean sheet and did just that, denying Witham of a golden opportunity to pull one back. Shortly after this Jacob found himself in an interaction with the Witham goalie, fisticuffs ensued but was resolved quickly between the two players over a bottle of lucozade.

Andy made it 3 for Brentwood with a great strong finish just before half-time. To Andy’s delight the shot was captured on tape and he’s planning to use that as advertising for his groundworks company Turners Surfacing hoping it illustrates his companies expertise when it comes to a smooth firm finish to any road surface or driveway.

Into the second half now and Brentwood were trying to keep on top but the guys became lacklustre and despite being ahead Brentwood couldn’t find that positive vibe which they are used to. There was a clearance off the line by Witham but the start of the second half was otherwise uneventful.

Brentwood secured another goal through captain George Lilley, his short corner strike deflected in by a Witham defender. Not too long after Andy was able to get his hat-trick, or so we thought… but the umpires ruled that he used his body to bring the ball down.

Chef was then shown green 4 minutes later, he thought he was talking to the executive chef about something wrong with his pasta dish but then realised it was the umpire, who was not at all interested in any chit chat! To further add to Chef’s frustration he was then shown yellow for returning to the pitch around 2 seconds too early.

Brentwood down to 10 men again, continued to find themselves on a negative trend. Witham took advantage of this by clawing back two goals, one from a penalty corner which even Big T’s limbs did not extend enough to clear it off the line. Witham got their second through a wonderful solo effort but ultimately were unable to take anything from the game with it finishing 4-2 to Brentwood.

‘The Eagles’, as the Men’s 1st team are often referred to, although still reeling from the loss of defensive talent Henry ‘Mac’ were able to walk away with the victory thanks to the abundance of players able to fill in the defensive lines this season.

Overall The Eagles walked away with a win, but finished frustrated. They didn’t play to their ability so are still left craving that first fine performance of the season. 3 points is 3 points, it’s now 2 wins and a draw for Brentwood this season and going into next week against Upminster the goal is clear: another 3 points but let’s do it in style!

A thanks goes to the spectators who continue to enjoy the Indian summer on their Saturday afternoons whilst supporting the team on their promotion journey.

DOTD: Chef
POTM: Owen

Next game;

Brentwood Mens 1st XI vs Upminster Mens 2nd XI
Becket Keys School
7th October
14:15

Come and enjoy hopefully Brentwood’s best performance yet!