Weekend Round-Up

Ladies 1s v Colchester 4 - 1

IT'S A WIN FOR THE LADIES 1S

Starting the match in good spirits despite the weather, the first half was characterised by effective teamwork by applying pressure to the opposition, stepping up early and channelling ball-carriers into traps to flip possession. A poor stick tackle on Mel by Colchester just outside their D gave Venetia the chance we were waiting for to send the ball to Ogles for a clean deflection and our first goal of the match. Excellent transfers around the back between Zara, Zoe and Imogen spread the play to create clear gateways for calculated attacks against a tiring opposition. This effort was translated into goal number 2 scored by Faye, again set up by Venetia.

A momentary lapse in concentration found our defensive line preparing for a wave of short corners, and while the team were well-prepared for each, a good play from Colchester put the side on the scoreboard. The sogginess of the pitch led to a few of our passes turning into loose balls and being intercepted by a hungry opposition on the come-back, but fortunately Hannah’s positioning and our defenders’ tight marking and clean clearances were a force to be reckoned with. Loughts took advantage of another stick tackle seconds before the half time whistle which Maz converted into our third goal of the match.

Loughts continued to apply pressure in the second half and the success rate of passes significantly increased after the half time team talk. Millie and Ellie made a number of important interceptions in the second half, enabling Ogles and Chelsey to drive the ball up the pitch with impressive skill. Chloe and Kiera used their speed to make strategic runs up the wings, creating a number of opportunities in the D which panicked the opposition. DotD went to Mel for her misplaced heroism when an attempted deflection from Venetia’s shot turned into a goal-line save instead! Also worth noting was “the bit where Zara got jabbed in the back by a stick”, leading to the offending opposing player being sent off with a green card. We all watched in anticipation for the card to be raised above the umpire’s head, but, no doubt due to having frozen limbs and fingers, by the time the umpire had rifled through her pockets, dug it out and pointed it in the player's general direction, she had already taken herself off the pitch and it was almost time for her to come back on again!

Our final goal was scored in the second half with true teamwork – a swift ball from Venetia on the side line to Chelsey, followed by a long ball sent to Maz just inside the D, who snuck it across the keeper for a perfectly positioned Ogles to swipe in.

The final match score was 4-1, with Venetia named MotM for her contribution to all of the goals scored. A huge thanks also needs to go to Adnan and our supporters, who braved the miserable conditions to coach and cheer us on to our first win of the season.

(Also, if anyone was wondering about the incident from our previous match where Ogles is very clearly captured on video throwing her stick to the ground in frustration, she swears, “it’s not what it looks like. I didn’t throw it, it just slipped out of my hands!” We all believe her.)

 

Men’s 1s v City of Peterborough - 2 - 4

The men’s 1st team were up against old foes Peterborough at Luxborough Lane on Sunday. Coming off the back of a 3-2 win at Richmond the purples were hoping for more of the same.

However, despite good early energy Loughts were undone by a pacey winger racing around the back to slot the ball past the onrushing keeper Whitfield. Despite the early setback Loughts rallied with a powerful finish from forward Maciej, a 3rd in 2 games for the Polish wonder.

Unfortunately after a short corner that was hit into the netting and a calm finish either side of half-time Loughts were stunned to be 3-1 behind. The setback caused a storm of attack from Loughts, clawing 1 goal back but a suckerpunch breakaway for Peterborough ended the game a 4-2 loss for the purples. A poor day at the office but a good wake-up call, it’s going to be a tough season but plenty of good stuff to come!

Ball Patrol: Toby Gayler, Nathan Gladman, Guy and Leo Garner

Prior call for Saturday October 20th, the next home game under the lights against Southgate, please get down and support your men’s 1st team!

 

Men’s Academy v East London – 3 - 1

A strong team performance against a determined East London team. We started off on the front foot pressing the opposition creating a number of chances through good movement and passing. Unfortunately their goalkeeper who was arguably their MOM kept us at bay with some excellent saves. Our dominance eventully paid off with Seb Coupe converting well from a tight angle on the left. Despite controlling the half, a lapse in concentration at the back allowed East London to score a fortuitous equaliser, making the score 1-1 at half time. The second half saw the opposition start stronger until we settled down. The game was fairly even until a strong and determined run by Archie Crowley from inside our half led to us taking to lead, effectively killing off the game. Our 3rd goal came from a well taken stroke by Seb following Nathan Gladman being upended in the 'D'. A well-deserved 3 points overall.

U14 boys Purple v Wimbledon Stormers  7:2

The U14 Boys got off to a perfect start in the Mercian league last Sunday with an emphatic victory over Wimbledon Stormers at Luxborough Lane.  Within 5 minutes Loughts were 2 up with goals from Nathan Gladman and Archie Crowley. Soon joined by Toby Gayler making the score 3 nil! Loughts passed and moved the ball effectively, opening up the Wimbledon defence time and time again .Archie and Toby soon added to their tally and Loughts went into the break 5 - 0 up.

The U14s emerged from half time and once again were in goal scoring mood with Toby scoring in open play to seal his hat trick.  Ethan Parr completed a perfect passing move from back to front with a solid finish to deflect the ball into the net.  Wimbledon heads didn’t go down and in the last throws of the match managed to notch 2 goals for the away team.  Loughts finished worthy 7:2 winners , A great start to the season with a quality team performance.

Do you recognise anyone in this video? Click here to watch

The management committee has been considering the club's ongoing strategy.  It was impressed by the insight shown in this short broadcast and wanted to share it with members.  All feedback welcome.

Award Season is here!

Active Essex are looking for coaches, volunteers, young people and clubs who deserve recognition and publicity. Simply nominate before October 21st at: https://www.activeessex.org/sports-awards-2018/

 

Home Fixtures this weekend

Saturday                                                                             

Pitch 1                                                                                   Pitch 2

11:15 Loppers v Saffron Walden 6                                  11:15 Willows 2 v Chelmsford 7

13:00 Ladies 3 v Braintree                                              13:00 -

14:30 Ladies 5 v Old Southendian 2                               14:30 -  

16:00 Mens 2 v Wimbledon                                             16:00 Mens 3 v HAC Gunners

 

Sunday

Pitch 1                                                                                   Pitch 2

11:00 U14 Boys v Wycombe                                          10:30 U14 Girls v A N Other

12:30 U16 Boys v Old Merchant Taylor                          12:30 U14 Boys v Amersham & Chalfont

14:00 U16 Girls v Saffron Walden

 

Coming up………………

24th & 25th October  - OLHC Hockey Camp

 

Items for HH to office by Monday 10am please