Mens 2s vs Chelmsford M1

A clear frosty day greeted Spi's likely lads as they ate their cereal and bacon to fuel the engines in the top vs bottom clash taking place in the distant lands of Chelmsford later that day. Meet time was the first hurdle as they almost left the important energy and aggression of Lascelles at the nest! Other than that the journey went off without a hitch and everyone arrived safely in Chelmsford.

The game started with great intent from both sides, Chelmsford pressed hard applying pressure to dogged magpies defence. Magpies had chances all they way through the first half but arguably Chelmsford had the majority of possession. Magpies went 1 nil down from a broken down short corner, that found its way through the legs of an otherwise impressive Moss in goal.

Shortly after our Captain Hipwell lost his hamstring somewhere on the pitch and had bow out to run the bench. The excitement didn't stop there, a reckless pass across the top of Magpies D from MOM Cumming (ROW) was intercepted by a cunning Chelmsford forward, who made a dashing try to score. BUT! He did not plan for the panther like reactions of one Dickon Taylor who not for the first time in his Magpies career he bailed out a fellow defender from a unnecessary error.

Now I'm not going to lie I can't remember when Chelmsford scored their second, so clearly it was not note worthy, but they did go two up either in the first or second half, I think it was the first, I digress - back to the game. The second half was much like the first but we were more tired, the umpiring got worse and the opposition decided to half court press a much older and unfitter team. Magpies still showed signs of intent, hmm mm OK I bit off more than can chew writing this I admit I'm now bored so bullet points for all the others involved:

. Beans played a blinder up front and covered in defence when I got tired.

. Bedwell was saving shots on the line and leading from back like the gladiator he has always been! (I mean he did yell it me but whatever)

. Blandy was on fine form charging down drag flicks at 1 and chucking aerials from the back.

. Brand showing attacking prowess runs in the family.

. Geoff was commanding in the middle, rollouts galore.

. Jake ran and ran and his goal put us back in the game.

. Hipwell senior was like an anchor stone bashing through Chelmsford players and his penalty stroke brought us 2-2 and the momentum was in our favour.

. Hugo was vital upfront applying pressure upfront.

Alas with much trying we could not force a third even though Chelmsford pulled their keeper with 2 minutes left.

All in all not a bad performance we were helped by the umpiring a little but we also put up a very good fight against a very strong side.