Welcome Three Points for M1's

The M1’s entertained Bath in National League One on Sunday, keen to bounce back after a disappointing result the week before at Teddington.  But they didn’t start the game with any conviction and they quickly surrendered all initiative to the visitors who showed far more fighting spirit and will to win.  Consequently Bath dominated proceedings in the first quarter and Hawks were fortunate to keep the score at 0-0.  The second quarter followed a similar pattern and it was entirely with the run of play that Bath opened the scoring on the half hour with a slip penalty corner routine.  Somewhat against the run of play, Hawks equalised three minutes later when they managed to steal possession deep in Bath territory.  Three swift passes later a ball into the circle from Freddie Foster was met by the deftest of touches from Ed Tristem.  One minute later, with half time beckoning, Hawks took a barely deserved lead when their first penalty corner of the game resulted in a ‘nobble-top’ which somehow found a defender’s foot on the goal line.  Andy Watts stepped up to convert the resultant penalty stroke to give the home side a flattering 2-1 half time lead.  Hawks galvanised themselves for the second half and stepped up their game considerably.  With a greater share of possession and territorial advantage, Hawks gradually started to control the game and when Ed Tristem won their second penalty corner with eleven minutes remaining, Jack Biggs converted to provide some breathing space.  Four minutes later, another penalty corner was dispatched by Biggs following good approach work by Charlie Neat and Freddie Smith, and the game was done.  With Hawks reduced temporarily to ten men, Bath withdrew their GK in an effort to maximise their on-field player advantage, but is was Hawks who were the most threatening in the dying minutes, failing to capitalise on at least three circle entries with the visitors goal untended.  Ironically, a less impressive performance than the previous week, but a very welcome three points ahead of next week’s trip to Sevenoaks.