Fledglings lose at Eastcote despite a great effort

Eastcote Eagles 4 - 2 Leighton Buzzard Fledglings

Playing their third away game in a row the Fledglings improved on their previous performances to play great attacking hockey. Despite scoring two fantastic goals from open play, they didn’t have quite enough to beat an Eastcote side, who were very, very strong in their midfield.

The home side took the lead with a good finish from a break away but the Fledglings matched this with a fantastic goal of their own. Debutant Tom Handley raced down the right and crossed, with three Leighton players converging on the goal, James Trumper reacted quickest and athletically slotted the ball home to equalise.

Eastcote were very good at pressing Leighton’s hit outs and lost possession cost Leighton just before half time, as Eastcote again finished well to re-take the lead. Inexperience then cost Leighton at the start of the second half. Eastcote’s star player launched an aerial ball that Leighton couldn’t pick up as it came at them from “out of the sun”, as the ball bounced through Eastcote ran on and slipped the ball past Leighton’s “stopper” Alex Dashwood. Dashwood was having another outstanding game in the Fledglings goal and his saves kept the Fledglings in the game, deservedly earning his joint player of the match accolade.

Slowly the Fledglings gained the advantage and great distribution saw the midfield and forward line start to create chances. Eventually Eastcote cracked. Trumper’s run and pass was picked up by an “on running” Jordan Field; Field flicked the ball between the keeper’s pads to score his first goal for Leighton and to earn his share of player of the match. The Fledglings were now back in the game but unfortunately the “Star of Eastcote” rose again as the sun set on Leighton’s chances. Despite Dashwood’s fantastic effort, the Eastcote player converted a short corner with a strong flick and it was enough to take the points.

Disappointment in the outcome but not in the performance, with new players and a few changes from the start of the season the Fledglings side is now starting to take shape. Lots to feel good about now ahead of a home game next week.

Final score: 4 - 2 (Fledglings lose, Eastcote win)
Player(s) of the match: Alexander Dashwood and Jordan Field