M4s take on Luton on a cold Dec evening

Match Summary

05/12/2020

Luton Mens 3s 1 - 2 Broxbourne Mens 4s

After a six-week break since their last game, the Broxbourne Mens 4s were hoping to regain the good form showed thus far in the season. Eventhough the lack of recent game time (and a cold 5:30pm start) would likely be a detriment, at least it enabled players who had been absent with injuries to make a return. The opposition was Luton Mens 3s, a team who the Mens 4s had beaten convincingly at the start of the season. However, that means little if the squads differ greatly from those that featured previously.

Nonetheless, the Mens 4s started brightly. A few great chances were created early on, though were not able to be converted; yet it was a promising sign that goals were there to be had. Despite this, Luton certainly posed a consistent threat. Thankfully the lack of cohesion and accuracy in their attacking play enabled the strong Broxbourne defence to keep them at bay. Luke Hughes deserves a great deal of praise for some outstanding tackles and consistently solid interceptions, often at crucial moments.

The dynamics of the fairly evenly-matched game were eventually shifted by a fantastic attacking move from Broxbourne. Devon Jardine stunned his teammates when he rounded the keeper and scored with a diving reverse-stick shot. The 1-0 lead at half time gave the Mens 4s something to try and hold on to, but the inevitable Luton resurgence would certainly test the leaders resolve.

The second half began much like the first had ended, with end-to-end action in a very open game. However, Luton steadily began to dominate the midfield play and it seemed likely that an equaliser would soon follow. A few close moments included a clearance on the line and a couple of short-corners having to be being turned round the post by Matt Baker. Unfortunately, the Broxbourne defence was eventually beaten by a short-corner, which rolled over the line following a deflection off of the keeper. While the legitimacy of the goal was debated (as the initial shot was above the line of the backboard before being deflected down to the ground) it was confirmed by the umpires.

Luton continued to largely control proceedings, with Broxbourne limited to sporadic half-chances. The end of the game approached and it became increasingly concerning that Luton would eventually score a winner. The Broxbourne defence had put in great performances overall, but the wave after wave of attacks seemed likely to prove overwhelming in the end. Yet it was noticeable that a small attacking threat was still being posed at the other end, with incisive crosses going into the D and shots narrowly going wide.

With time almost up, the spoils of an enjoyably tense and high-tempo game would be shared - or so it appeared. Broxbourne won a short-corner, which was swiftly followed by the full-time whistle to indicate that it would be the last play of the game. While the threat posed by the Mens 4s short-corners is occasionally lacking, with all 10 outfield players surrounding the D the situation was made more promising. Though the extra support proved to be unnecessary. In an unorthadox move, the short-corner was passed out to Tim McDonnell on the far left side of the D (from the viewpoint of those looking towards the Luton goal). Equally surprisingly Tim opted to go for goal, rather than pass. Incredibly, this proved to be an extraordinary decision. The powerful shot slammed into the goal, passing between the goalkeeper and the near post. The scenes of the joyous Broxbourne players was a sight to behold, with everyone enjoying the momentous end to the game. The only disappointment is that there wasn't a crowd to saviour the drama with.

Finishing the game with the ultimate high, the Mens 4s look to the next match (all things permitting) against Royston (14:30 start at Broxbourne).