It was a big game for the boys this week with Robinsons looking to keep their unbeaten start to a brilliant season against Bristol Uni in a top of the table clash. Reaching game day and tensions were high, settled only by Nicko’s tunes in the changing rooms and a big pre-match chat from Conor. The lads headed out onto the pitch to hear some questionable tunes from the Bristol Uni lads, who looked like a young yet competitive side.
The game started, both teams firing on all cylinders, with a lovely run from Ollie King in the first few seconds to see him just flash one wide – this set the tone for the game as the spectators settled into their seats to watch what would be a spectacle of a game. A team goal, deflected in by Uni’s centre mid saw them go 1-0 up. The fans then watched with baited breath as the rest of the half battled out, with the score staying 1-0 at Half Time.
An enthusiastic yet frustrated Clifton Robinsons coach finally came of age as he said his first swear word, sending us back on to the pitch with fire in our hearts. A brilliant team goal finished off by Mr William Springett (first national league goal) saw the game all tied 2 minutes to the second half. Some 50/50 decisions from umpires left the spectators with questions and coming to the last 5 minutes the game was right on a knife’s edge. A short corner that was somehow bundled into the goal by Bristol Uni gave them a 2-1 lead, nearing the dying minutes of the game. Robinsons poured on the pressure, but sadly couldn’t find a goal to even up the game ending in a 2-1 loss.
Let this not takeaway from what was a marvelous display of hockey from our boys who came off the pitch disappointed but eager to come away with 3 points next week away at Marjons. Congratulations especially to Reef French for his first National League MOM at 18 for a tenacious performance. A huge thank to all our supporters, our 12th man on the day, and a class day of hockey polished off by a tasty lasagne and chips at Redland Green Tennis Club (still the best teas going).
Jakob Szpojnarowiscz
