The last 100% record in the senior section went in unceremonious fashion at John Hanson School this afternoon as the Men's 5s were outscored by an Andover team who competed with one another for 'most over competitive member of the same overly competitive family'.
After last week's well earned win we talked about shape and trust being the key factors in getting a result and inside 10 minutes that had all unravelled as Andover scored twice from close range following sharp breaks into our D. Rob Wood deputising for our usual selection of three keepers being undone by the slowness in which the action unfolded !

We fought back well for almost all the rest of the half with Charlie Drummond and Arthur Gent Eggett showing the benefit of years playing together in the juniors as they worked us free hits and penalty corners but unfortunately our pressure wasn't rewarded by a goal. Worse was to come as Andover stole another one from a break before the half time whistle.

The second half saw us keeping our shape better, with Jack Child distributing the ball strongly, and David Ellis showing a great turn of speed for someone (marginally) older than the skipper ! We were undone again though as we failed to close down one of the younger Andover players who scored with a direct shot from the top of the D.
James Threadgold moved into a more attacking midfield role and revelled in the opportunity to get forward and one particularly mazy run saw him denied twice by the keeper.

A final goal from Andover made the scoreline look even more one-sided than the balance of possession would have you expect, but that's what happens against teams with strong players up front looking to exploit you on the break.

MotM - this went to James Threadgold for his strong runs, but Arthur and Charlie weren't far behind, and Jake English had another strong game in the midfield.
DotD - 'I may be old but I'm not stupid' suggests Angie as a recipe for avoiding this award, but this fell on deaf ears for the Andover number 90 (the senior member of the Overly Competitive family), whose three appeals for a penalty stroke (at 4-0 up) didn't impress either of the two
Andover provided umpires, and resulted in the ball being given to us instead !

Next week C&F 4s, another 'competitive' game for sure . . . to quote the younger member of the Overly Competitive Familty "It's only Divison 9 . . . " as No. 90 pushed into the back of James Edwards and was surprised why the latter took umbrage at his action !