Men's 3rd XI Vs Mansfield 3

South welcomed bottom of the table Mansfield to the Banks on a blustery but dry afternoon. 

A much changed side again due to mixed availability across the club saw a number of players making their 3’s debut for the season, a stronger side than recent weeks  on paper were keen to impose themselves in the match straight away, but a momentary lapse of concentration in defence saw the visitors take the lead with a simple back post tap in on 10 mins. 0-1.

This woke South up and the hosts ran riot in the next 15 mins, a through ball into the D found Grozzy who steadied himself and dragged a fierce strike inches past the far post- a familiar occurrence through the match.. Moments later, Ben Ryder danced along  the byline, skinned 3 defenders and nutmegged the keeper to draw level. 1-1

Almost instantly, South won the ball back and Ben was through again down the middle of the park, almost being hacked down by 2 defenders, but stood strong and lifted it calmly past the onrushing goalkeeper. 2-1

3 minutes later, Hrozzy was picked out at the top of the D but his string reverse strike cannoned into a defenders foot and flew wide. The PC was charged down, but young Will B was first to the ball, he slipped to Grozzy whose snap strike towards goal was deflected in as Ben completed his hat trick! 3-1! 

The finale of the crazy few minutes saw  a drilled pass into the D to Grozzy who’s initial deflected shot was smothered by the keeper, but the loose ball fell to the out of form skipper to lift the ball into the net unopposed. 4-1.

Halftime was a positive affair, “more of the same” was the message which was agreed by all.

A rerun of the start of the 1st half saw Mansfield break away following a South shorty and scored past SNHC Chairman Simon Recaldin. 4-2

An incredible half of end-to-end hockey saw multiple chances come and go for both sides, but neither team could finish their dinner - none more than Grozzy who peeled away to the P spot for a rare Ryder pull back, but the ageing striker pulled the 1st time effort agonisingly wide by millimetres.. DoD earned in gloriously awful style. 

Young Stan Jackson almost opened his account when he was found free at the back post, but also missed by a hair.. 

It seemed like anyone could’ve had a go and we’d still be playing at midnight without grabbing another.. 

The defensive unit of Batty, Brainz, Graham J, Craig L & Craig B stuck to their task admirably making sure keeper Simon wasn’t troubled for the rest of the match. 

Midfield unit of Harry S, James B, Stan J, Gary P and Will B largely ran the show, linking up defenders and attack superbly, allowing the strikers to try their best at converting their chances 

Final score : 4-2

Thanks to Ken & Graham for keeping us in check, among some questionable challenges being thrown in..