Timperley 4's v Buxton 2's

After considerable struggles in getting a team together (we eventually managed to go with 11 instead of the planned 12 as KJ had a bout of man-flu), Timperley 4's arrived at Buxton on Saturday in reasonable order noting that it was a tad chilly... Something else to note was that Cooke was late (he muttered something about road-works) but it wasn't that big a surprise seeing as it's happend a time or two before!

The 11 intrepid men - including 2 first-timers for the 4's, started the game one position above Buxton, so we knew it wouldn't be an easy ride. 15 minutes later we were 3-0 up (shows what I know!) courtesy of an Asar masterclass at our first short-corner (1 from 1 at the time is a new 4's record!), plus we had Carson converting from close range (what was he doing in the D you may well ask!) and Hayward startling everyone with his extraordinary pace cutting in from right-midfield and showing he can score too.

Then of course, in standard Timperley fashion, we clearly decided that the game was done, so we relaxed and what would you know - we then spent 20 minutes realising that hockey in Derbyshire isn't necessarily that easy. We manage to concede only the 1 goal so 3-1 at half time!
Reset, refocus, remember what worked well and go again (I probably gave a churchillian team-talk, but even if I did, nobody really listens to me anyway...)

2nd half - Hayward bagged a couple more (where is his jug we hear you ask), Asar avoided his jug by only getting 1 more (somehow!) and Cooke thought he'd better score seeing as he was selected as a forward. Not to forget a fine goal by Sebastian from left-mid, it was hard to judge if he was quicker than Hayward - however I'm pretty sure he has the best throwing arm in the team :)

New boys Duff who played cente-mid and spent his time holding hands with Carson, and Young who played left back and enjoyed a full game of hockey for the first time since his hair started turning grey, merged seemlessly with the rest of the team, and both very much justified their selection.

Andrews in nets was solid as always, and grumbled when needed at Wright and Reynolds who surely didn't need it, as they were legendary in central defence (in my mind anyway). It should be noted that he didn't grumble at Andrews jnr though for some reason - though perhaps that was because of his sterling work at right back...

So all in all a fine display; To go to the team one below us in the league with 11 men, and to win 8-1, playing some proper hockey, and taking our chances (well apart from Wright who was given an opportunity at a short-corner to show what he could do, but fluffed his lines big-style). Defensively we minimised their opportunities, and on the whole we bossed the game - it was our best performance so far this season. Long may it continue...

Afterwards, a few of us then spent an hour or so in the New Inn with the opposition, enjoying a bite to eat and a beer (or shandy in my case), and regaling them with tall tales about anything that sprung to mind. Nice pub and good company... and I'm sure I speak for the whole team in saying that we are looking forward to Buxton visiting us in the new year.