A lacklustre performance saw Cambridge South Vets bring 2004 to a disappointing end. Bishop’s Stortford started playing good team hockey right from the whistle and were rewarded with a very early goal and another two followed by half-time. South weren’t able to really test the keeper, with Roger Craigen coming the closest to bring out a good save from the keeper. In defence, Jim Sutcliffe made several good saves to keep the score line respectable and a lot of hard work was put in by Steve Riches, Andrew Matthews and Peter Kemp.

A minor readjustment at half time, with Mick Beasley and Steve Riches changing roles to try and bring more penetration to South’s midfield, paid off. Within minutes of the restart Steve Fleck scored a fine individual goal and hope was in the air. South pushed forward but Bishop’s Stortford’s superior midfield started to dominate again and Jim Sutcliffe was called on to make further good diving saves. South kept pushing forward but rarely tested the opposition’s goalkeeper, with Ricky Williams coming the closest to scoring. The pressure told on the South defence and a fourth goal was conceded.

So a disappointing first half of the season sees Cambridge South Vets near the foot of the league table, but who knows what the New Year will bring.