UCL 2nds Edged Out in Close Encounter

It was a magnificent day at the Old Cranleighan hockey club for a home fixture against LSE. The sun was out for what was UCL's last Sunday match of the season.

Spirits were high amongst the players after beating King’s Medics 2-1 on Wednesday, with two goals from Charlie Higgs.

However it was a tentative start to the game, with UCL controlling the early possession, shifting the ball nicely across the back four. It turned out to be a fairly even first half with not many chances going either way.

But just before half time, LSE managed to sneak in a goal. It was unfortunate for the defensive unit, but the finish was top quality.
The UCL captain, Dave Vick, rallied his men at half time. The players knew that the game was there for the taking, despite being a goal down.

After the interval, a good passage of play by UC saw Ned Hammond with the ball 2 yards out from the LSE goal. He was sent to the floor by a desperate challenge before he could get a shot off, and the umpire blew his whistle for a short corner. The players on the UCL bench suddenly became animated; absolutely livid with the decision. Luckily though, the umpire’s assistant on the far side, Saqeeb Howlader, ran over wearing his ray-bans and gave a penalty flick. The 2nd XI’s very own ‘troll like’ forward stepped up to take the penalty, but his flick was saved by the goalkeeper.

The last ten minutes consisted of a bombardment of the LSE D, but their centre backs proved to be too solid and the game ended 1-0.
 

Captain David Vick: “The enthusiasm and commitment to the hockey club was evident by the good turnout, considering that it was a Sunday game, and as many players were missing out on an unbelievable match between their beloved North London football clubs. Although we lost the game, some of the hockey was sensational and it really shows how much the team has improved over the course of the year.”

James Deri: “We are hoping for another good performance on Wednesday. If we have a bit more composure in the final third then we can definitely do a job.” This week the team makes the trip down to Portsmouth, which means that there will be a ‘port and cheese’ train journey back to London. “This is always one of the most popular events on the UCL hockey calendar!”