Gravesham & Wellcome 1s welcomed Gore Court 3s in a game that somehow managed to be both dominant and chaotic, often at the same time. And while the fans may have arrived expecting hockey, they were treated instead to a mixture of quality finishing, questionable umpiring, back-stick symposiums, and one young Gore Court player discovering what it feels like to be hit by an imaginary sniper.
Gore Court launched an attack in the first minute, giving the defence an early scare, presumably to check if everyone had remembered to warm up. Fortunately, after that brief panic, GWHC took complete control of the half.
6 mins – Chris makes it 1–0
Paul won the ball in midfield, beating player and sent a delightfully bobbly pass to Chris. This defence splitting pass was missed the defender, and Chris drove into the D and slotted the ball bottom left. A genuinely great finish, made by Paul’s luck and skill of a pass.
25 mins – Ryan’s short corner special (2–0)
A short corner that arrived far too far right was saved by Ryan, who calmly stopped it, then slapped it bottom left from the top of the D. His sixth career goal - and his first of the season, putting him ahead of Zak. A moment of deep concern for Zak. Notes will need to be taken. Urgently
Right before halftime, Gore Cort were awarded a short corner despite already having advantage and taking a shot. Because why let logic get in the way? Gore Court converted with the slowest deflection ever recorded, scored by the oldest man on the pitch. 2–1 at the half.
The second half saw GWHC playing… fine. Not great. Not bad. Just very… present.
Zac and Alex contributed a combined total of roughly 37 back-sticks between them, with Zac putting on a personal masterclass in “hitting the ball with literally any part of the stick except the face.”
Chris then decided to shoulder a small child, who reacted as though a sniper from the clubhouse roof had taken him out.
Moments later, after an incredible pass by Eren, Kyran danced through two players, slipped the ball across the goal, and Chris somehow missed an open-net tap-in on the post. Truly incredible scenes.
Kyran then got bodied off the ball and was accused of diving—an accusation as outrageous as it is incorrect. A short corner was given, no card issued, and everyone pretended that made sense.
Then came the moment that shifted the match:
A “50–50” tackle from Kyran
Unfortunately, one of those that just goes against you. Definitely not dangerous, not reckless, but punished anyway. Game has truly gone. Ryan’s reaction suggested deep emotional damage. But it was GWHC that had emotional damage as Gore Court scored from the resulting short corner to level the game 2–2.
Alex later received a beautifully pointless green card for not being five. Surprisingly, this was the only card of the entire match. Truly astonishing restraint from the rest of the squad.
There were very few fouls from Kyle, which may be the biggest plot twist of the season.
Finally, Kyran once again beat a couple of players, got to the byline, and this time—rather than passing to the post—went for glory himself. Outrageous selfishness. Terrible behaviour. Hopefully he learns Calm, composed, reliable.
? Man of the Match: Eren
For excellent distribution and rock-solid defending.
Honourable mention: Ryan, whose goal and performance were strong… but his rock–paper–scissors game needs serious work if he wants the award next time.
? DOD: Kyran
For that tackle, the one that cost the team the win. And also for general crimes of greed, according to match observers.
? Special Shoutout: Stu
Called up to the 1s and slotted in seamlessly. Great performance—didn’t look out of place for a second
GWHC 1s take the point, some bruised egos, and plenty of material for Tuesday’s training debrief from this.