Relics Extend Lead at Top of Table

The Reading Relics enjoyed a rare January match played in sunshine & blue skies and beat Eastcote 4-0 to extend our lead at the top of the league (second placed Epsom drew away at Surbiton).

It was a game of two contrasting halves with Reading clearly the stronger team, strengthened with the young legs of Hamish and Terry, but in the first half we let ourselves down by failing to play our simple passing game and allowed a packed Eastcote defence to frustrate us for much of the half. We eventually scored with a good goal as we stretched Eastcote by playing wide to Terry on the right touchline who found Peter unmarked on the left with a good cross and a cool finish from Peter resulted.

In the second half we went back to basics and played very good passing hockey which resulted in totally dominant possession and the creation of more chances and goals. Wright scored a second, to cement his position as Top Gun (see the current Top Gun list below showing those who have scored 2+ goals – please advise if I have left anyone off!!), this was followed by Micky finishing well off a good flowing move and a sweet cack-handed reverse cross from Bob.

At the very end of the game a powerful Mike Pell short corner strike hit an Eastcote foot on the line and only after much pleading from his side the skipper acceded, stepped-up and scored the penalty flick to give him his second goal of the game.

In the second half we looked a very strong unit with everyone playing well, Jerry Cooke was deservedly man of the match as he showed a willingness to run into good space at right half and help pile on the Reading winning pressure.

It was great to see Mike Gray back in charge with the whistle (a miraculous recovery from his ankle operation) so thanks to him and Robbo for blowing well, to Nigel for helping out Eastcote and to President Aah for his touchline support.

As always the Relics kept Abdul busy behind the bar and Eastcote were very sporting and sociable losers Team “selfie” attached with our No. 1 fan Millie Pell once again stealing centre stage!

There is still room for more Vets to come to Bob’s “Dick Witless” Panto next Sunday (Jan 26th) at 6pm as well as a place on the Vets Burns Night table on Feb 1st – both will be excellent and fun events – let me know if you can join us.

Next week we need all Vets to step-up as Bartie has a lot of fixtures to fulfil.

Well done old men!

Relics Top Gun (2+ goals) 18th January
Wright x10
Green x8
Cooke x7
Denehy x5
Holden x3
Bambury x2
Hudson x2
Lowe x2
Christian x2

Onwards and upwards

Micky