Crostyx Men's 1st XI vs West Hampstead 2s (A)

The M1s were looking for a win on week 2 as they travelled to play West Hampstead 2s following a disappointing result on the opening weekend. With Callum Palmer returning to the team, Crostyx looked strong despite the absence of both Captain and Vice-Captain Aaron Phillips and Christian Hall. The captaincy fell to the more senior Hall, Joe, who relished the opportunity to lead the team to victory in his first game as captain.

Crostyx opened the scoring with a penalty flick by James Preston into the top right corner, after a shot by Sam Yesudas was blocked by a foot on the home team's goal line. Crostyx had a solid first half with the standout performance from Callum Palmer at half back keeping West Hampstead at bay with a series of superbly timed challenges. However, the travelling side couldn’t see out the half and the home team scored two goals in quick succession to go into the break 2-1 up.

Going into the second half Crostyx were keen to regain control of the game and started the half with plenty of possession. West Hampstead showed their grit and resilience as Crostyx were unable to break down the opposition. Frustration started to build and things got even tougher when Crostyx dropped to ten men as Purple young-star Izzy Duck picked up a yellow card for having a little too much to say to the umpire after a dubious challenge from the West Hampstead defence inside their D.

Crostyx held on with 10 men and it was West Hampstead's turn to have a man put in the sin bin with their own yellow card for the same offence. A period of attrition ensued, but with both teams back to 11 and Crostyx still chasing the game, some quality team play saw Jake Ling assist Sam Yesudas to get Crostyx back level.

With their tails up, the away team went in search for a winner and with ten minutes to go Jake Ling found himself 1 on 1 with the keeper. Many a punter would have backed the experienced Ling to put Crostyx ahead, however an impressive save met Jake’s effort as he tried to place the ball in the left side netting.

As time ticked on, West Hampstead picked up their second yellow of the game reducing them to 10 again. A bit of skill by Izzy Duck got him into the D and allowed him to cross the ball with a head height flick over the keeper. With both Sam and Jake queuing up to score it was Sam who smashed it home with just two minutes to go to win Crostyx their first game of the season to the delight of stand-in Captain Hall Snr.

Hampstead and Westminster (H) next week as the team look to build momentum.