The Men’s 2nd team saw off the challenge of Salisbury 4th XI at home in their opening match of the 2020/2021 campaign.

After the previous week’s disappointing round trip on the ferry after Southampton Uni  called off the game whilst the team were en-route the Mens 2’s finally got under way at home to Salisbury 4th XI. With the team unexpectedly being promoted from 4th place the previous season they knew it was going to be a tough start, especially considering 7 of the players from the first half of last season were either playing 1st team, retired, taking a break or left for the mainland. The Island side had though gained a few extra players during the summer break but still, the line-up was to include 2 goalkeepers as make shift center forwards and the team were handing a senior debut to young Nathan Bruce.

From the very start though the Island settled well and went about creating a number of chances which were not converted. The packed midfield of Aaron Baker, Mike Dodds, Steve Holbrook, Matt Cripps and Charlie Randerson were controlling things nicely, so it came as a shock to the team when a rare foray into our D was put away for Salisbury to take the lead. Nathan Bruce was introduced for his first taste of senior hockey and settled into midfield well despite his tender age, with some nice touches and passing. The team were undeterred by going behind, putting the pressure back on Salisbury and eventually this pressure told when a well worked move led to a narrow angled shot from keeper come forward debutante Nick Pratt which rolled across the face of the goal and was poked home by the lurking Steve Holbrook. 1-1 at half time.

After a quick pep talk the team continued the good passages of play. The defence of Will Bevan, Carl Joyce and Bailey Woodford were being tested though and were eventually bolsterd by Matt Cripps as Salisbury threatened a little too often. This helped settle the team who pushed hard to take the lead and were eventually rewarded when Nick Pratt controlled brilliantly in the D and swept the ball home. 2-1 quickly became 3-1 as captain Mike Dodds struck home from a short corner and then Scott Bashford got in on the act when he slotted the ball under the keeper to finish a nice move to make it 4-1.

Salisbury though fought hard to the end and with minutes left won a few consecutive short corners that led to a penalty stroke which Lewis Wells in goal was unable to save. The introduction of veteran World Cup star John Pearson was the signal to get the team across the line for a 4-2 win. A great performance from a new look team and an encouraging start to Nathan Bruce’s hockey career and a deserved win.

Wightlink and DineWight man of the watch award goes to Nick Pratt for his tireless work up front and deserved, well taken, goal.