Crostyx Mens’s 1s Match Report vs Hampstead & Westminster ZH (A)

The Men’s 1st XI sitting in third in the table travelled to Hampstead at the weekend to face 2nd in the league in what is typically called a “6-pointer”.

On a merky but mild afternoon, play got underway and it was the home-side with the control in the early stages of the game. The home side demonstrated strong ball pace as well as a willingness to throw aerials with ease, both effective at breaking down the Crostyx press resulting in Liam Dolden being tested in the Crostyx goal, but he was up to the test. Crostyx managed the pressure well and counter-attacked with speed and determination but to no avail.

The home side’s pressure was rewarded with a short corner which soon became a penalty stroke following a drag flick striking defender Jack Dempsey on the leg, despite protests that the ball in fact hit his white protecting glove which was the same colour as his shorts. The stroke beat Liam straight down the middle as he dived to his right to try and make the save.

As the first half progressed, Crostyx grew into the match as the home side’s quick start inevitable wore off. An increasing amount of possession and D entries ensued before Crostyx were awarded their first short corner. Up-stepped drag flick Specialist Alfie Tedder who beat the keeper to his right to level the scores.

Unfortunately for the visitors, they were quickly behind again as a snap shot from an angle was dealt with by Liam, however his kick clearance only found the stick of a waiting forward who gathered and slotted into an empty net. Half-time with Hampstead & Westminster ZH one to the good.

The second half saw chances at both end and some high quality performances from both sides’ keepers. Resilient defence from Crostyx, coupled with some fast break away counter attacks meant the game was end-to-end. Tim Richards at left back was instrumental in organising the Crostyx defence while also stifling any goal scoring chances.

With 10 minutes to go, Izzy Duck (a name which makes it into most match reports, and usually for good reasons!) drove into the Hampstead final quarter with some fine dribble which saw him hit the baseline before squaring it to Joe Hall on the penalty spot who jumped in front of his defender and beat the diving keeper with a flick low to his left hand side to open his account for the season and level the scores.

In the dying embers of the game, it was the home side, frustrated by having their long-held lead taken away, who stepped up the pressure. Assured, but some-times frantic defending by Crostyx defied everything that Hampstead could throw at them and the exciting affair remained 2-2 with both sides feeling like they could have come away with all three points.

Crostyx return home next week vs newly promoted PHC Chiswick to try and carry on their winning run at home.