Bingo

What was more uncharacteristic was an overall flat feeling in the changing room prior to push back. A solid cohort having made their way from the new home of hockey at Coach Lane supporting the Ladies 3s after a very difficult couple of weeks following the untimely passing of Lina. Following a well participated minute’s round of applause by both the home and away teams the match was underway and it was a frantic of not uncontrolled start.

Almost immediately Newcastle won a short corner. An early break from Stockton’s right post runner rather bizarrely was allowed to continue much to the dismay of Matt who disagreed with the umpires assessment that having 4 defenders on the goal line was more of an advantage to the attack than having 3 defenders on the line… this expression of disagreement earning him an early 2 minute breather.

During his rest Stockton did have the ball in the back of the net, Newcastle being the architects of their own downfall, turning over position in their own 23 by the last man. Fortunately the strike came from outside of the D (just…apparently).

2 rapid fire goals soon arrived following some great stick skills from Matt and Tom with the assists respectively and slotted home by Neil with a drag flick in off the keepers chest followed by a slap through the legs. The third arrived around the half hour mark with the PC talisman taking a breather, step up Neil to complete the hat trick. A steady injection from David, stopped dead by Brian, a jink over the number 1 runner’s stick, sashay around number 2 runner and bobbled into the bottom right. Really showing off for the spectators, a loyal travelling crowd of 3 in the away end today.

We headed into the half time haribo (giant strawberries and gummy bears if you were wondering) 3-0 to the good but feeling like our collective performance was far from our best, barely out of first gear and sloppy in position. Time to step it up.

We started off with improved focus in the second half, moving the ball around more patiently, better movement off the ball and creating more space up top. Tom was relentless today causing havoc when running at the defence with positive outcomes, alas our conversion rate wasn’t quite there today. Some devastating counter attacks later and we saw the scoreboard tick over to 4 then 5 then 6!

Number 4 was a tasty ball on the diagonal to put Neil into the D. The keeper (much to the dissatisfaction of one Stockton player having instructed him to “take him out”) closed him down but remained on his feet only to find himself with whiplash as a naughty little lob over his head sent wobbling dropping into the goal - kindly not robbed on the line. (Take note Tweddle)

Number 5 was what is swiftly becoming a classic combo for the 2s, Neil driving at the defence, Matt running into the space created, under the shoulder pass and Matt doesn’t miss from there.

Number 6 was the inverse, Matt picking up the ball inside the 23 and with many men in red ahead of him picked out Neil on the p spot for a reverse sweep between the onrushing keeper’s legs.

Newcastle did have the ball in the back of the net again, this one wasn’t to count however as it was roofed from 25 yards out without a Newcastle player getting what would have been some touch on it.

To round off the game we saw Keith grab his first goal from open play for the club. A very tidy finish so I’m told. I was too busy grabbing much needed water at this point.

Take the positives today: clean sheet, bags of goals, perfect record, top of the league. There were no real calamities, just the odd gaspable moment when we tried one too many touches and were swamped by men.

DOD goes to the elusive Ewan
MOM to the double hat trick avoiding Neil.

Props to Keith for following through on his promise of beers for last week’s W and LINE! First row of fixtures down on the gaffer’s graphics with 4/4 wins. On to Redcar at home next week.

0-7
Goals: Neil (5), Matt (1), Keith (1)
Assists: Matt (3), Neil (1), Tom (2), Brian (1)
Cards: Matt (G)

Match report: Neil Dale

LB23 - Rest in peace ❤️