Old Loughts needed to come from behind against a spirited and combative London Edwardians team to win their final away match of the season. The game started slowly with both teams trading blows without either gaining domination. Loughts seemed to lack their usual fluidity which was not surprising given the importance of the game and the absence of one or two familiar faces.

In the 19th minute Edwardians pounced on some hesitation at the back and Loughts were 1-0 down. However Loughts kept their nerve and 3 minutes later Harvey Edwards, pressing with purpose from the front, stole the ball from the opposition and passed to Tom Watson who does not miss from there. 1-1 and game on!

Coach Lee ran through the game plan again at half time: stay patient and calm; stick to the process and press with aggression; “find a man” when defending. The magnetic drafts counters were moving at lightning speed as he demonstrated this on his miniature lightweight board. The team bought into this philosophy.

Loughts scored again late in the third quarter through Harvey Edwards after some good build up work and the team went into the last quarter with the slender game advantage knowing they had to continue to take the game to the opposition and see the game out.
It was tribute to the team that they achieved this. Nathan Gladman was man of the match in this robust game in which poacher turned gamekeeper Mitch Jones again showed grit and determination and was a calming influence in the team. Ed Fleet at the back marshalled the defence superbly and had a fine personal performance.

Previously second placed Richmond drew 2-2 away at Hampstead & Westminster 2s and are now 7 points behind Loughts with two games to play. Third placed Spencer however won against Indian Gymkhana and now sit 6 points behind Loughts. Next Saturday Old Loughts play Spencer in the match which could decide the title.

Elsewhere the other 9 Loughts men’s teams were also all in action. M2s, already crowned Division 1 South champions won 5-3 away at Shefford and Sandy. M3s Foresters beat Chelmsford 3s by 5-1 to secure the runners up spot behind Colchester 1s in Division 2SE and promotion with goals from Charlie Britt, Caspian Coupe, Ryan Gladman, Leo Kendrick and Matt Kingsbury. M4s Academy lost 2-3 to Brentwood 3s and conversely M5s Loppers won 3-2 against Havering 3s with goals from William Jamieson, Theo Jayaraj and Tom Tudor.
The M6s Willows won their 21st match from 21 this time 10-0 against Witham Academy and in the same division 3rd placed M7s Willows Woodsmen won 7-1 against Brentwood 5s. The M8s Willows Rangers lost 1-4 to Crostyx 4s and the M9s Willows Axemen 0-2 to Saffron Walden 7s.
The Supervets completed the men’s fixtures with a 2-2 draw with Tulse Hill and Dulwich Musketeers.

All 5 ladies teams were also playing but it was “just one of those days” for most them.

JUST ONE OF THOSE DAYS
Old Loughtonians L1s 0 Cambridge City L2s 1
In their final home game of the season Old Loughts Ladies 1s lost their scoring touch despite creating a multitude of opportunities. Loughts were caught cold by Cambridge City as they turned over the ball deep in Loughts territory and opened the scoring with only 2 minutes on the clock.

Loughts struggled to find their feet in the first half and only some excellent stops from Annie Wade-Jones kept the deficit to a single goal.

The second half saw Loughts pick up the pace and lay siege to the Cambridge goal searching for an equaliser. Faye Holmes went close with a powerful cross shot and multiple Loughts penalty corner routines were repelled by City.

Player of the match Chantelle Fernandez was playing an unfamiliar but vital role at the heart of the defence as she drove Loughts forward. However it wasn’t to be as Cambridge held on for the victory.

Loughts go to newly crowned league winners Bishops Stortford in the final game next week with a very respectable 4th place already secured.

Second placed L2s also had a day to rue losing 2-4 after the long trip to Southend and Benfleet 1s. They remain in 2nd place, 5 points clear of Old Southendian 1s, with two matches to play.

The L3s were away at fellow promotion challengers Waltham Forest 2s. The game started slowly and Loughts had let in 2 unfortunate goals before they really got going. They, and the pace, soon picked up, and by half time there was a well-worked goal from Alannah Foskett but Loughts were trailing 3-1 which is how the match finished. For most of the time it was a good, well matched game, with excellent umpiring. In the second half Loughts looked to be the stronger side, earning many a short corner, which unfortunately they couldn't quite convert past the very able Forest goalkeeper. Aoife, who worked extremely hard and effectively at right back, came a close runner up for MoM, but was pipped to the post by her sister Alannah, who was on storming form this week.

The L4s lost 1-2 to Brentwood 4s but with other results going their way remain 4 points clear of third placed Romford 2s and will be promoted as runners up in Division 5SE. The L5s won 2-1 against 2nd placed Old Southendians 3s and are now a point behind them in division 6SE with one match to play.

On Sunday the u14 boys played Waltham Forest in the league and won 6-2.