Southend Mens 3’s vs Thurrock Mens 2’s

Published on 18th Sep 2021 by Rachel Garfirth

Winning start to the season

After a prolonged break from league Hockey, Southend Mens 3’s eventually dusted of the cobwebs with a 5-2 win over Thurrock Mens 2’s. However, it did not start well as a man down Thurrock side (due to a late arrival) struck with a breakaway goal in the 1st 5 minutes. Southend fought back with new recruits Aaron Harding and Adam Lloyd finding their feet but it was midfield stalwart Henry Quick who scored the equaliser for Southend. This was quickly followed by another goal from the clubs leading goal scorer for the past several seasons, Mickey Walsh, starting his seasons tally with a follow-up shot from a short corner routine. However, Thurrock were now back to full strength and were pilling on the pressure - and although central defender Eddie Bedini managed to put in some key tackles, including a save off the line for a short corner, Thurrock scored again with a quick break managing to put a shot past a diving Dennis Jooste who was debuting in his 1st 3’s league game as a keeper. 2-2 half time. Joint 3’s skipper Eddie Bedini, said that he asked the team before the game that all he was looking for was for each individual to do themselves proud by giving their individual best as the team work would come together as the season progressed. He got this in spades from his midfield in the second half with youngsters Bayley Hartman & Mark Arnold and seasoned player Dan Darlington ‘bossing’ the midfield in the second half and immediately starting to bring the team work together. This was topped with a goals from Bayley (a lovely lifted shot over the keeper) and Dan (following at the near post after injecting a short corner). Thurrock kept threatening on quick breaks but step in defender Dan Bisgrove managed to stifle these with stout defending and some key interceptions. But in the end, after striker Keith Arnold had constantly been frustrated all game with shots being saved by defenders, the keeper and hitting the post the honour of the family name was upheld by youngster Mark scoring the last goal which was the icing on the cake for the youngsters performance making him the skippers Man of the Match. 5-2 full time. A winning start and something to build on for the oncoming season.