The word of the day today was "wide" with defenders, and midfielders encouraged to pass sideways and away from the goal, and the wingers encouraged to actually be out there to receive it and exploit the space to go forward.

Using this tactic instead of our usual 'whack it up the middle' approach paid dividends, not only on the scoresheet, but more importantly, with flowing and expansive passing hockey. This was highlighted in particular in one passage of play where the ball was switched across the backline, up the right wing, and then crossed in towards goal for an easy conversion. Beautiful stuff. Liquid hockey.

It wasn't just the attacking that impressed today, the defence formed primarily of Flo and Ayla, (but also with rotating helpers from throughout the team), did a great job of thwarting attacks, whilst demonstrating great improvement in positional awareness. Holding a good position between the ball and the goal at all times, but also got involved and provided a deep support option to the attacks.

Anything that did get through the defensive line, was handled very capably by Max in goal who made some excellent saves and clearances. Clean sheets in every game!

Going forward, Reuben was absolutely clinical with his finishing today, and had some lovely runs out wide to create chances, but it was definitely a team effort. Maddie, Bea, Meadow and Oscar were all their usual determined selves, breaking up play in the middle, dribbling strongly, and some great passes to use the width. Grace, though still early in her hockey journey, had a great morning too, and is really starting to find her place in the team, she even came very close to scoring!

Overall a great team performance, with plenty of effort from everyone, and we look forward to building on this in training in the coming weeks. The children should ALL be very proud of themselves.

Scores:
Haslemere: 1-0 Win (Reuben)
Haslemere: 2-0 Win (Reuben x2)
Hamble: 2-0 Win (Reuben x2)
Chichester: 3-0 Win (Reuben x2, Maddie)
Chichester: 0-0 Draw