The 7’s ventured east for a half term fixture against the bottom of the table Broxbourne, on a sunny but chilly February afternoon. The 7’s started well with some good possession. A rare Broxbourne attack was quickly subdued, but a slightly casual clearance allowed Broxbourne to get back into the ‘D’, and although blocks were made, Broxbourne pounced on the loose ball and scored the first goal of the day from close range.

The 7’s continued to work hard with new boys Jake and Seb amongst the back four, helping to build many attacks from the back. The 7’s keeper had little to do in the rest of the first half, with St Albans dominating possession in the Broxbourne half and winning a few short corners, but just not finding the clinical finish. Jake looked lively in the central midfield role, with Harry and Simon probing the defence again and again.

St Albans started the second half well, and continued to control the game. A wayward back pass from Matt gave Broxbourne a rare attack, enough to keep the back 4 (led by Sammy) on their toes. Broxbourne won a short corner against the run of play (possibly their one and only short corner), and an unfortunate deflection of George’s knee cap allowed the ball to nip inside the near post and make it 2-0, although questions remained as to whether this was dangerous play.

Not surprisingly, frustration began to creep in, but no cards were shown and energy was directed in to the hockey match itself. Some great team passing allowed Chris to penetrate the ‘D’, feed Harry, who directed the ball towards goal, where Matt stood waiting, sweeping the ball cleanly under the on-rushing keeper. A goal the team easily deserved, and enough to set up a tense final 15 mins.

The Remainder of the game consisted of Logan and Ronan dribbling beyond the Broxbourne 23m line, Harry and Simon (MOTM) attacking along the goal lines, numerous St Albans’s short corners and plenty of game saving, last ditch challenges and clearances by Broxbourne who managed to hang on to their slender lead.

The cheer from Broxbourne when the final whistle blew just showed how relieved they were to have claimed the potentially undeserved points. Whilst the St Alban’s defeat may seem harsh, if the spirited play, dominant possession and control of frustration can be continued for the rest of the season, then Taza and the ‘half termers’ will struggle to reclaim their place, as the team’s performance was worthy of finishing in a high place in the league.