LX Club vs Havant

on 2nd April 2006

Last minute changes to the team allowed Stephen Stowell to put on his LX shirt for the first time and our Chairman to put his on for … how many times is it Brian?  Two of the day’s players were glad of the run out in advance of their Over 70s ‘international’ match against the Dutch the following week.

Watering the pitch proved difficult in the windy conditions, but the game got off to a steady start with neither side able to capitalise on their chances.  LX looked the livelier side, but it was Havant who opened the scoring when a free hit outside the LX circle was converted by Stuart Rouse.  The play then immediately switched to the other end. A penetrating run from Stephen Stowell ended with a pass to Gordon Small who took his goal well to level the score. 

Tim Pollard, in goal, had to make a couple of sharp saves but LX looked to have the game under control with solid defence, as expected, from David Read and John Longden.  However, it was Havant who again took the lead  - through David Stevenson - and LX who again came quickly back following some neat passes within the circle from Stephen and Gordon making it easy for Peter Ross to score. 

Two-all at half time.   Having played his usual close game in the first half, Brian Tubb had to drop back after half time.  John Longden made an admirable replacement in the centre, linking well with the always-controlled play of Alan Jackson (who captained on the field). Wing-halves Robin Mayes and Geoff Turk covered well and gave good support to their wings, Ian Russell and  Brian Woolcott, who were always keen to make progress down the flanks but alas chances could not be converted into goals.  One spectacular attempt from Stephen nearly clinched the game for LX, when his shot just missed the top right hand corner of the Havant goal; it would have been just reward for his tireless play.

Despite John Davey (playing for Havant) harassing the LX defence, Tim had a relatively quiet second half and we had no need of more than one of the five goal keepers who volunteered for this game!  There was no further score in the second half.

So LX had to come from behind twice to secure some respectability, and on reflection, they will feel they should have won.  However it was an enjoyable game, and thanks to umpires Colin Herbert and Ken Veness, played in the usual friendly spirit that we have always enjoyed at Havant.

Many thanks to Havant organiser John Davey and to Mary for her exceedingly tasty pie.

Team: Tim Pollard, John Longden, David Read, Geoff Turk, Brian Tubb, Robin Mayes, Ian Russell, Alan Jackson, Gordon Small, Stephen Stowell, Brian Woolcott, Peter Ross.

Peter Ross.