Cambridge South 2nd XI, sponsored by PWC, hosted a confident Horncastle 1st XI that had scored 18 goals from their previous two games. Horncastle proved to be a well-oiled team that used space well and created offensive pressure from the start. South’s defence stepped up and provided an impressive challenge for the away side. Commanded by Dave Monck as sweeper, the marking was tight and disciplined. Composed performances and clearances from Dave Bartram, Neil Sneade and Ron Oren meant that their attacks were stumped without risk of allowing the opposition repossession in South’s 25-yard area. It was this that kept the score line to 1-0 in the away teams favour.

South’s midfield and forwards struggled to create a flowing passing and possession game against a team that were keen to dispossess them of the ball. Whilst the midfield battle was bravely fought South needed to up the ball pace and accuracy of their passes, spending as little time on the ball as possible to avoid the oppositions tackles and interceptions.

After a robust team talk at half time South came back into the game and exhibited some of the hockey that the team is well able to perform. Snappy passing and running into space from Gareth H, Dave Stock led to the ball reaching forward Mark Taylor who put in a strong ball into the D which led to a disallowed Goal by Kevin Rowland, for what was described as dangerous ball in. The decision reflected what seemed to be a string of unlucky calls on South from the umpires. Rob Barton, Finn Johnson and Mark Taylor looked dangerous when South worked the ball up but a sturdy defence frustrated efforts to finish.

Gareth Hebbron was in a generous mood and shared his misdemeanours with both umpires, receiving a green card from each for something in the rules about ‘barging’. Winning him a unanimous lemon of the match. Dave Monck exhibited equal passion for winning the ball leading to flooring 3 members of the opposition with more panache than Gareth, none the less something the England Rugby team would of have been in awe of.

James Cobbe was making good use of the space he was given in the wide midfield but didn’t get the opportunities he deserved to show how he can rattle any defence, wide distribution was lacking. Horncastle scored 4 goals from short corners, with only 1 in open play, an impressive offensive move up the pitch.

Tristen Knight had stepped up to fill the keepers position today and proved what an all rounder he is. Reading the game well, running out to clear the ball from Horncastles attacks and saving a penalty flick in the second half earned him a much-deserved man of the match.

Again today, the team showed that they are not a squad that will let their heads hang when under the cosh with hard running back by Colin Singleton to defend and every member putting in maximum effort to deny Horncastle further scoring opportunities in open play.

Consistent passing, build up play would have created more openings for South and is something to work on. Reflecting on the game Skipper Kev Rowland felt that “ the never say die attitude of the team is impressive, some might find it hard to pull many positives out of a 5-0, but up against this very strong opposition every man kept his composure, kept pushing to go on the offensive and supported the back four totally. The work ethic of the squad would make any captain proud”