CHRISTMAS AFTERMATH

Crostyx 3  Peterborough Town 3 

Two days before this fixture the pitch was under 25mm of snow and the likelihood of playing looked grim. Then it rained and the snow disappeared. Great. Only problem was that it didn't stop raining and the match was played, for the most part, in driving rain. The situation was not conducive to the high standard of hockey which Prem A usually delivers. However those hardy few who braved the elements were not disappointed and enjoyed a fast and skilful match.

Crostyx started on top and pressed from the beginning. Within the first five minutes a well driven free hit by Blockley found Ingram in the Peterborough sixteen and a timely deflection produced his thirtieth league goal of the season. Crostyx continued to dominate and in the twentieth minute won their first short corner. The initial drag flick was saved but Bishop was on hand to put in the rebound. Two nil up and cruising. Not for long though because at this stage Peterborough, having made changes, started to push forward. They attacked well down the right flank and just before half time scored, albeit controversially, to go in at half time two one down. The goal was controversial in as much as the defence was totally convinced that the ball passed through the side netting. However as the ball nestled in the back of the goal there was no option but to award a goal.

Peterborough started the second half as they finished the first and were quickly rewarded with the equaliser. Two all and now Peterborough opted for a half court strategy to make it very difficult for the home side to make progress towards their goal. The deadlock was broken after about twenty minutes when Crostyx won only their third short corner. Another good save but again the rebound was snapped up. This time by Duck who calmly lifted the ball over the keeper to put Crostyx three two up.

Peterborough now had no choice but to come forward, and come forward they did. They created several good chances and could well have left with all three points but for poor finishing. As it was they equalised for the second time and seemingly went away happy. Three each was probably a fair result.

Thanks to the  umpires for the day, Tony Goulding and Mike Hudson.

Man of the Match was Wayne Bishop for fantastic work rate. Wayne also picked up the Dick of the Day for, shall we say, a rash tackle which carried with it a yellow card

Crostyx Team: Neal Lofthouse (GK), Simon Blockley (C), James Paddon, Joe Whitehead, Jimmy Duck, Ian Dunnett,

Wayne Bishop, AJ Vasilliou, James Ward, Demi Vasilliou,  Shuhel Malique, Dan Hunn ,Gareth Ingram.