Another early doors start for the U16 boys performance team, travelling over to Earlsfield to play a Spencer team only narrowly beaten at home in the T2 cup competition last November.

Right out of the gate, Spencer attacked the match and in the first 49 seconds, before anyone had really got into the game and I'd even had time to put my coffee down, Spencer managed to slot one past BromBeck. One nil down in the first minute was not exactly aligned with the game plan and after a great win last week, it took the boys by surprise. Soon after, Sam faced a 1 on 1 with the imposing Spencer striker on another break, but did not let him pass. That set the tone for the entire first half with goals coming from Spencer in the 7th (short corner), 22nd and 27th minutes (both from open play). It was a physical half with lots of aerial balls and Spencer really dominating and controlling the game and only five short corners played (three for the home team and two for the visitors). It just didn't seem to be happening for the boys and not for a lack of effort. A thankful half-time whistle came and the team huddled round to re-group and take on some stirring words of encouragement from coach Ben.

In the opening minutes of the second half, the phoenix seemed to have risen for Brombeck and the team had transformed back to the strong and determined squad from last week. Skills and confidence returned in abundance and roles had literally reversed and it was the visitors who now dominated the match and much like the match in November, frustration and lack of focus from the home team was creeping in and the green card made a number of appearances throughout the half. James was first out of the blocks converting a short corner within 5 minutes of the whistle which gave the boys more confidence. BromBeck kept up the pressure on Spencer, pressing them down the right hand side of the pitch and 12 minutes after James' goal, Carter did not hesitate with his first opportunity and slapped in the second goal, reducing the deficit to 2. BromBeck continued to frustrate the home side and chances continued to come with BromBeck rewarded with another Carter goal bringing the score nearly level. Only 4 minutes later, again through excellent work down the right hand side, James won a free hit, which Noah battled into the D only for Carter to complete his hat-trick, roofing the ball from the top of the D, much to the frustration of the Spencer keeper.

There was a flurry of BromBeck short corners in the final few minutes but unfortunately none were converted to take the game from a draw to a win. The final whistle signalled the end of an incredible 35 minutes of hockey with huge pride for the boys who totally turned the game around. The mental and physical strength they showed was a real credit to them and something they can take with them into future games.

Thanks to Ben for his work with the boys and for parents getting the boys there in good time.

MJ