Crostyx Hockey Club

Our fifth match of the season was against top of the table Waltham Forest in which we lost 2-4 to a strong and well-drilled team. Crostyx made further progress in this well fought contest although were outgunned as two significant defensive errors ultimately cost Crostyx the game. However, despite the quality of opposition this was Crostyx’s best performance to date with some convincing and threatening hockey.

The first half was well matched until the deadlock was broken by a soft return from the Crostyx 22 which gifted the opposition an unchallenged opportunity to score the first goal. The game ebbed and flowed with swift counter attacks but Waltham Forest engineered a second goal outplaying Crostyx with some slick one-twos that resulted in a well struck goal.

Upfront, man of the match Chris Matson and Gareth Nicholls worked selflessly to open up space and create some opportunities as Crostyx managed to open up the opposition defence. The opportunities created were unable to be converted until towards the end of the first half when Stuart Mol found some space in the D and his well placed strike brought the score to 1-2 at the break.

With the second half, Waltham Forest started to press more and dominate more of the game bringing the game further way from Crostyx with a strong passing move which led to an accurate pass in to the D to an unmarked player who struck past the keeper.

As Crostyx tried to rally they were undone by a calamitous piece of defensive work in which dispossession occurred at the top of the D leading to an easy conversion past the stranded Wallich which effectively closed out the game.

However, the resilient and persevering attitude was rewarded by a goal in the dying minutes of the game. Some quick passing from the half way line provided Harry Hewitt-Chick with the opportunity to convert from near the ‘P’ spot to make the score line a fairer reflection of the performance by Crostyx.

In summary, all the players showed fighting spirit, tireless running and some good movement with some stout defending although some frailties remain with Crostyx needing to ensure that possession is not lost needlessly and in compromising positions.

Unfortunately, Crostyx are lying at the bottom of the table but with two matches yet to play there is hope that after the progress and commitment made to date that some deserved points can finally be taken.

The next match will be against a robust R&I 1’s who are currently lying mid-table.