Watsonian M3s vs ESM M2s Saturday 13th February

Watsonian M3s vs ESM M2s Saturday 13th February
The previous week had produced a hard fought 1-1 draw against Edinburgh Uni M5s. Both teams had been under performing compared to last season’s final standings. It was a great game of hockey, which I think we felt could have been a win for the 3s if only LJ had connected with his stick, rather than his leg.
This cold and snowy Saturday would have the Maroons heading away to play against a strong Stew Mel side, who had bolstered their squad after folding a team from the central leagues.
The weather was a worry at the start of the day, with games at Tipperlinn being called after only ten minutes of play, but East Fettes Avenue seemed to be holding up better.
Whether it be the cold or the fact that Captain Bell’s team was underperforming and slipping towards the relegation zone, he gave an impassioned pre-match team talking, calling upon us all to play with the same intensity as we had against the Uni.
We started the first half with the sleet in our faces. It was ESM who opened the brightest, scoring an early goal. Playing the ball too easily through midfield and catching our back line napping, the ESM striker, who was trying for a Prince William look, powered into the D and fired low and hard into the far corner. 1-0.
The combination of the sleet and the slap in the face from the early goal, set the Sonians’ to playing some hockey. The game would open up with both teams playing the ball around the park. ESM would look to build the ball from the back, taking time and trying to break down the now well-drilled Watsonian defence.
The M3s would utilize a fast counter attacking style of play. This would work well as David Hogarth picked up the ball in the centre of the park, bursting forward. Quick passing up the field resulted in Sandy Hendry receiving the ball in the D, only to be taken out and earning the team a flick. Probably the best result we could expect from the position. Hogarth would finish the move he started, beating the keeper with a well-executed flick.
1-1 at the half.
Bell would again press upon us the need to keep out working the opposition, maintain a high pace to the game, which ESM were not enjoying to play against.
The second half would again start with our opponents starting the stronger team, though this time we would be able to cope with their pressure. Doug Swanson would make a string of solid saves and the midfield were slotting in well to provide protection to the back line.
Hogarth would again come closest for Watsonians, striking a PC fractions wide of the left post. The routine worked well, with only the final movement of the ball stopping us taking the lead.
In the end there would be no more goals in the match. The final event of note was from Prince William, who’s frustrations overcame him and he decided to cross-check Dom Wright in an off the ball incident. A card in my mind, but not the umpires.
The draw was probably a fair result, though both teams could have taken the points on another day. Man of the Match went to Doug Swanson, for keeping the team alive when under a large amount of pressure.
Author:
Richard Waugh