Phoenix(2) 3 : 3 M6

There's three minutes left on the clock. The gorgeous autumn sunshine had long since gone, replaced by moonlight. Having been under the cosh for most of the second half, here it was, the good times. Seven players; six passes; a shot; a goal. Three-two to Reading and the boogie was well and truly on. A team goal for the ages, finished by Ian. And yet. And yet. Two minutes later, after something resembling an Anthill Mob scuffle in our D, it's three-three. At the end of the day probably a fair result after a thoroughly enjoyable game.

We are no longer a rebranded M7s team. We're the M6s, we've grown into this and collectively we own this new name. There is a belief here - we can keep the ball, we can play hockey, and we have a few players who can terrify the opposition. It's amazing to be a part of this, it really is. The pre-season pessimism has been replaced by an understanding that we can compete, just so long as we do the things we're good at.

And so back to the start of the game. We are maybe eight minutes in and Jago has already put us two goals up. If the first was perhaps a little scruffy, the second was a lovely first time swipe into the bottom left. They had barely touched the ball. We had been calm, we'd played forward, sideways, back. We'd picked the passes. And we deserved our lead. Immediately after the second goal there was a suggestion from the opposition that the pitch was too slippy and that the game ought to be called off. I find that telling.

Truth is Phoenix 2 are no mugs, and we knew that once they'd got going they were going to be a threat. Sure enough late on in the first half they got a debatable flick. One - Two at halftime. But there was trouble on the horizon. Francis was having hamstring problems and with no subs this created a vulnerability on the right, which they spotted. The second half was a little relentless as they sought to exploit their advantage to the max. Despite some awesome defending the goal eventually came. After an onslaught like that a lesser team might feel doomed. But not the M6s - we fought on, we scrapped when we had to, but also had some class. Even before the third goal we'd had some great breakaway chances - none of them easy and none of them finished. But they showed that we are really learning where our offensive players are and we know how to find them. This bodes well.

Goals :
Jago 2
Ian 1

Thanks to Callum for playing a second game. Hugo played a blinder and was instrumental in the goals. Matthew was immense in defense. It feels unfair to pick people out - everyone played a significant part in this. So thanks to everyone - opposition included - for making this such a cracking contest.