Brox score but cont defend

Broxbourne 4s Play One of Keegan’s Toons.
Berkhamsted (4s) 6 v Broxbourne (4s) 5.
Broxbourne 4s returned from west Herts emptied handed, having lost by the odd goal in 11.
A cagey opening provided little indication of the chaos that was to ensue. Berkhamsted’s direct passing and clever running was causing the Badgers defence a few early problems. At the other end our forward unit managed to create some early openings with clever movement and good skills from Tim McDonnel, Noah, and Matt Rudd.
Berkamsted took the lead mid-way through the 1st Half. I have no great recollection of the goal other than it was scrappy and probably wholly underserved. Thereafter both sides threw away the shackles, with Broxbourne attacking with reckless abandon. Jack Price’s well hit strike drew Brox level, but the badgers could not gain control in the middle third. A peculiar few moments saw Berkamsted strike thrice in succession, seemingly without applying any great pressure on Charlie’s goal. Each strike might have been avoided but for me not giving the ball away cheaply in midfield, the odd bit of dodgy marking, and some rotten luck.
4-1 was, without any bias, wholly underserved. For the most part Broxbourne were playing a good passing, attacking brand of hockey, which if a little naïve, looked great in the final third. In contrast Berkhamstead played direct, relying on the canny gamesmanship of a few warty old boys. The Badgers attentions to the finer side of the game were rewarded towards the end of the half when an aerial from Jamie O’Sullivan found Noah, who combined brilliantly with Matt Cassling to round the keeper and score.
Berkhamsted then robbed a fifth, it was miss-hit and very jammy (I think). Brox again responded with admirable resolve, working the ball into the area for Tim to tap in. It was a goal his cultured midfield performance well deserved.
5-3 did not reflect the overall balance of play, and yet at half-time Brox had to concede that they had very much made the bed they were lying in. Most, if not all of the Berkhamsted’s goals owed largely to individual errors, errant marking, or else loose play when in possession.
To our credit heads did not drop. Broxbourne came out in the second half with determination, and both sides exchanged counters like two punch drunk undercard heavyweights. The badgers pushed Berkamsted onto the back foot but could not land a combination, often losing composure as they galloped forward. We spurned a host of chances, were stung by the odd unfortunate break in advantage play, and attempted some truly woefall short corners.
Trevor pulled one back, turning in a ball at the far post, before the badgers were again stung on the counter. A late goal from Matt Rudd gave the badgers the platform for a final push, but some tragic late short corner misses, a goalmouth scramble, and a green card stifled the chances of us snatching a deserved point.
Upon reflection there was plenty to be cheery about. We had scored 5 away from home against a team second in the league. There was also plenty to work on, and plenty that was dire. Brox spurned a host of short corners, struggled to control the tempo, and failed to make the most of their two-on-ones.
It left a sour taste, and when Berkhamsted return to Mill Lane, I would love it if we beat them. Love it!