After a long Christmas break South were desperate to get back playing hockey but faced a tough opponent Peterborough, the team just below them in the table. South started positively and tried to put the opposition on the back foot with some good passing moves down the flanks. The forward line of McCulloch, Hawkes and Ta worked tirelessly but were marshalled well by a committed Peterborough back line that kept their D well protected. South were at their most dangerous attacking down the left and then switching the ball quickly across the pitch through Cobbe or Chalk, a special mention must be given to Dave Aston who shrugged off a savage bout of man flu to give frequent support from left back. On a few occasions this style of play released right winger Johnson who used his electric pace to get past the last defender before crossing. Against a lesser opponent South would surely have converted at least one of these chances to take the lead but time and again a defender’s stick intercepted the ball in the nick of time.

It took most of the first half before South managed to win their first short corner and then two came along at once. Frustratingly, the deadly duo, McCulloch and Hawkes, who had been prolific in training, were both off the pitch when these opportunities arose and despite registering good attempts on goal the B-team couldn’t quite break the deadlock.

At half time the mood was positive, Peterborough’s attack had been limited to the occasional quick break or long ball and centre backs Gravelling and Bristowe had had everything under control, the only question was whether or not South would be able to break the Peterborough defensive line to score.

Rob Garrett joined the action early in the second period, sporting a large bandage on his head that protected a self inflicted cut picked up at training. Despite the silly appearance, his determined and energetic play lifted the team who visibly raised the pace of the game in an attempt to put their opponents under increased pressure. Garrett’s work on the right brought Read into the game further up the pitch and South now looked dangerous down both sides.

In one of the best moves of the match, South tore forward at pace, linking 3 or four quick passes together to release McCulloch, who’s diving reverse stick shot beat the keeper but clattered agonisingly into the side of the goal. Moments later Hawkes started another stylish attack with a delicious no-look pass under his arm to Garratt, Again South breached the defence but the final pass left Hawkes a bit too much to do and the keeper was able to make a good low save.

Despite frequently getting into the final third, South struggled to get the ball into the D at times and also lacked the cynical killer instinct that could have won more short corners when they did so. Much credit for this must go to the Peterborough defenders who crowded out numerous attacks and then kept possession well, meaning the home midfielders had to work extra hard to win the ball back before South could mount another attack. Eventually time ran out and the two teams had to share the spoils having both worked hard for their point.

All in all, a draw was probably a fair result that was good enough to see Cambridge South go to the top of the league, albeit thanks to a surprise Rutland loss at Wisbech. With such a solid defence the recipe for South success is simple - score!