INVINCIBLES? Completed it mate!

The hysteria of the final league match of the season was somewhat overshadowed by the current spread of COVID19, which cast doubt if any hockey would go ahead.

Following UK Government advice, England Hockey made a statement confirming all hockey throughout the country could proceed as scheduled.

With the league title in the bag, the 4s looked to add the title of “INVINCIBLES” to their ever growing list of honours and end the season undefeated.

Blocking their path was Leyland, who started the day sitting second in the league table and needing to take at least a point off Didsbury to ensure their own promotion. A defeat would give Keswick the opportunity to leapfrog them at the final hurdle.

With the stakes set, the 4s fielded a strong squad and welcomed back Paul, who had successfully undergone and recovered from shoulder surgery, much to Robin’s delight, having previously vented deep concerns about there being too much peace and quiet on the pitch.

The first half was very much 50/50, with both teams jockeying for position and few risks being taken by either side.

In what was one of only a few flash moments superhero Lewis Dunhill-Pool pressed Leyland’s midfield and stole the ball, driving towards the D and slipped a nice pass through to Robin, but unfortunately he couldn’t connect.

Leyland’s only chance of the half required a decent save from Ross, but the highlight of the half went to Mr Sour Grapes as he attempted an overhead pass, only to somehow lift the ball backwards and over the fence!

(CAPTAINS NOTE - that is Captain Sour Grapes to you, and I was playing for time, at 0-0 in the first half)

The half time team talk reiterated the need to be patient and retain possession.

The 4s started the second half brightly and quickly won a penalty corner. Getting all the elements of the set piece right for the first time in the match, the resulting drag flick was powerful and kept low, seemingly a certain goal only to hit the Leyland defender on the goal line. PENALTY STROKE to the 4s!

With the score at 0-0, this was a tense moment, given that this is one of the few areas where the 4s have let themselves down this season. This wasn't the time to let Mr Sour Grapes flick complete his hat-trick of unconverted strokes, so the honour rightly remained with Dunny who had calmly dispatched one against St Helens a fortnight previously.

Leyland’s keeper suddenly felt the urge to... well I actually don’t what he was doing, but his seemingly endless delaying tactics didn’t prevail. Dunny, stayed cool put the 4s into the lead. 0-1.

The 4s kept up the pressure and grabbed their second when Dr Devine found himself on the by-line in the D looking for the dutch ball when the Leyland keeper caught his eye, taking one costly step in what must have been an audition for Hockey AM. Dr Devine pounced on this error and skilfully slotted the ball between the keepers legs to double the 4s lead. 0-2.

Leyland really had to step up their game now and they increased the pressure. Having dominated the league, some might expect that the 4s are just an attacking force. However, going into the match having only conceded 16 goals all season and with 12 clean sheets to their name they are every bit as solid at the back.

The combination of Matt Paine and Ben Barnes have been the cornerstone of the defence for much of the season, but with both absent the other defenders showed their worth. HarperD rolled back the years with a sublime performance and he was joined by Ayrton who was playing in his preferred centre back position proved that he is ready to dominate on the pitch the way he does in the bar after the game. The full backs and screen were equally solid.

Keen to mix it up on his return to a midfield role Robin pulled out his driver and let the big dog eat and it nearly devoured the Leyland player in question. Somehow the two female umpires didn't give the 4s poster boy the card it clearly warranted.

The lawyer of the team Ben Wilson wan't so lucky, receiving a green card when his limpet like defending frustrated the Leyland midfielder to the point of hitting out... at which point superhero Lewis flew in between them and absorbed the blows from the Leyland player's flailing handbag. Ben had a case for a legal challenge, but as the opposition player received a yellow card to his green, he took his punishment calmly.

In goal, Ross had more to do in one game of hockey than in the rest of the games he has played for the 4s combined and when called upon showed time and again what a good keeper he is, rightly earning him the MoM award. When Leyland did grab a goal back, he was not to blame. 1-2.

Striving for the draw that would get them promotion, Leyland became frantic and the game was becoming nasty. However, it wasn't to be as the 4s calmly played the ball around to see out the remaining seconds of the match. The umpires blew for full time and the 4s had done it... INVINCIBLES!!! (or “INVISIBLES” as the seemingly ever absent Mini would later say in the group chat”).

Congratulations poured in, especially from Keswick who had won their match to pip Leyland to the final promotion spot. Captain Grim reminded them that is 6pts they owe us next season! ;-)

A remarkable achievement from the 4s in what has been a superb season, and looking forward to the next where another fierce match awaits... the opening day derby against the 3s!

Well done to all the lads, stay safe and see you all next season.

FINAL SCORE: Leyland & Chorley 1 -2 Didsbury Northern

Goals:
Dunny x 1
Andy Devine x 1

MOM: Ross - for a Gandalf like performance "You shall not pass..."
Honourable mentions: HarperD - superb, Ayrton - (beer) monster, Lewis - superhero

DOD: Paul - it's like he never went away... a surefire DoD on return just because we'd "missed" him
Honourable mention: Mr Sour Grapes - for flicking the ball over the side fence yet again