Crawley 2’s 4 – 1 Worthing 3’s

Crawley looked to build on last week’s win and enjoy the lovely October weather against an experienced Worthing team. They also welcomed Gary Marlow back to the team after a long absence from the 2’s line up.

Crawley played their now usual high intensity pressing game and Worthing were slow to get the journey out of their legs. Crawley made the most of it, creating chances and Scott Mansfield skilfully knocked down a deflected shot on his reverse at shoulder height to make it 1-0. Crawley continued to press and Alex Coote nutmegged the Worthing centre back in the “D” to feed Scott Mansfield who swept in his 2nd from a yard out.

Crawley were robust in their defence, which kept Worthing at bay but Simon Teale had to have a stern reminder from the umpire that this was Hockey not Rugby. Crawley then got a 3rd, with a Kane Paterson drag flick which was sneaking just wide of the top right hand corner but was deflected in by an unfortunate Worthing player.

At half time Crawley talked about making sure they did not give Worthing a sniff of a chance and after a Worthing attack. Ian Berry passed a “16” to Alex Coote, who span, flicked it over the Worthing defence to the excellent run of Gary Marlow who surged into the “D” and rifled his shot into the bottom corner of the goal to make it 4-0. End to end in under 10 seconds.

Worthing did not give up though and showed resilience, and despite Ian Berry’s usual brave defence combined with Priyesh Patel and Oliver Robinson snuffing out Worthing attacks down the right flank. Worthing did eventually break through with a deflection into the goal at the far post after a firm hit just outside the “D”.

Crawley faded towards the end of the game after running themselves into the ground but the score remained 4-1, and the win capped another top effort. Thanks to umpires Laura and Keith Truter for taking time out of there day to officiate.

Team

Chris Rockingham, Ryan Banton, I Berry, S Teale, O Robinson, P Patel, K Paterson, A Coote, Alex Foxcroft, L Mulcalhy, G Marlow

Scorers
Scott Mansfield x 2
Kane Paterson
Gary Marlow

MOTM: Alex Coote
DOTD: Scott Mansfield (potwasher punishment)