Sevenoaks returned to Hollybush Lane on Sunday afternoon to face third place Teddington after a narrow 4-3 loss on the road away at Canterbury last weekend.
Teddington were quick out the blocks, dominating early possession and creating several half chances in the opening quarter. The Sevenoaks defence comprising Beck, Barker, Palmer, Walton and Morey managed the threat well, standing firm and soaking up the pressure. The score line remained 0-0 at the end of the first quarter.
Sevenoaks started the second quarter well, earning themselves a penalty corner which was well saved by the Teddington goalkeeper. Minutes later, a slick interchange from the Oaks midfield and forward lines led to a penalty stroke. Ben Allberry stepped up to the plate however the Teddington keeper guessed the right way and pulled off a great save to keep the scores level.
Teddington came back into the game and earned themselves a series of penalty corners. The Sevenoaks short corner unit, led by sixteen year old debutant goalkeeper, and man of the match, Rory Mylroi, were up to the task and snuffed out the corner threats. 0-0 at half time.
The second half started in a similar vein with Teddington creating the better of the chances and engineering a flurry of penalty corners. Mylroi continued to deny the increasingly frustrated Teddington forwards with a string of outstanding saves. Teddington’s pressure however finally paid off when a misplaced pass from the Sevenoaks defence gave the Teddington forward a one on one. No mistakes this time as the ball was slotted into the roof of the net to give Teddington the lead. Sevenaks responded almost immediately when two minutes later player coach Ian Haley smashed home a strike from the top of the circle to bring the scores level.
Teddington continued to outlet well and earned themselves another series of penalty corners. Mylroi carried on his excellent form, saving the first few corners, however a well executed deflection on the final effort gave Teddington a 2-1 lead going into the final quarter.
Oaks rallied in the final quarter and started to play well through the lines as they pushed for an equaliser. It felt like it wasn’t going to be for the home side until some good hands from Ryann Mann earned Oaks a penalty corner in the last minute. James Beck executed the corner well, dispatching the ball into the bottom right hand corner, securing Oaks the draw and an important point. Final score 2-2.
Sevenoaks take on Brighton at Hollybush Lane next Sunday.
