St Albans M7’s v Stevenage M3’s.

Stevenage M3’s made the short trip to Oaklands College this week, and having first navigated through the newly installed maze at the campus entrance, Stevenage were joined on the pitch by a St Albans M7 side eager to make their mark, swinging their sticks around wildly as if they were at a Piñata.
In a goalless first half, Stevenage held most of the possession and created some good chances. The best falling to Kevin Robbins, who hit straight at the St Albans keeper after a mazy run into the D. The opposition found it difficult to fashion many chances in response, their most notable attempt hitting Tony Aldred following a crazy effort on goal from the byline.
The mood at half time was confident, but the second half began much in the vein of the first. Until the 55th minute, when Chris Day’s hit into the D found Paul Mickelburgh, whose effort was painstakingly dribbled just over the line by veteran striker Dickie Brendish as his body was being crushed by a flailing St Albans defender.
Stevenage continued to keep possession well and looked good for the 0-1 lead, but sadly there was a plot twist to come… as Dickie Brendish was adjudged to have committed a foul during a Stevenage counter attack, St Albans pounced quickly with the free hit and managed to win a penalty flick to make it 1-1.
Stevenage created more chances, with Sam, Pete, JB, Dickie and Chris Day all having attempts to restore the lead. Unfortunately though, this endeavor left the game more open to St Albans, who managed to score a further two short-corner goals late on, giving them a somewhat flattering 3-1 win.
Lots of positives to take in the performance, everyone played very well but ultimately we were left ruing those missed chances, and that key moment in the game that allowed St Albans back into the match.
Match report - Chris Day.