M1s vs FMGM Monarchs Hockey Club Men's 1

Saturday’s game saw Monarchs arrive in Linlithgow for the first time since they dropped back down from the Premiership. The visitors oozed confidence by firstly taking up both changing rooms and then bringing the world’s largest speaker out on to the pitch for their warm up, but it was FLHC who would start the better of the two.

The first quarter would see FLHC create some good openings, whilst forcing the Monarchs back line into some mistakes. The first big chance would come from Matthew Craig, who done well to pick the ball up at the back post, but unfortunately couldn’t lift it over the oncoming Monarchs keeper. Matthew would soon rectify this however, by picking the ball up at top D and driving a low reverse into the bottom right corner. FLHC 1-0 Monarchs.

A slightly quieter affair in the 2nd quarter, with Monarchs pressing higher up the pitch and getting some luck around the FLHC D. A couple of short corners which were either expertly saved by David Connell or well rushed by the FLHC runners. Some chances created at the other end too, with a Stu McNeill reverse at a tight angle unable to be converted at the back post.

Half time would see FLHC regroup and come out looking strong once more. This positive start was further cemented with some excellent work by Jonny Anderson down the left wing, beating the defender 1v1 and cutting across to Murray Paton, who took a touch before sliding the ball under the keeper for 2-0. Monarchs took their 2 goal disadvantage as a sign to press FLHC much higher and pile the pressure on. This pressure would come good with them winning a few shorts and creating some chances from open play inside the D. Their first goal of the game would come from a short, with a flick low and hard into the bottom right for 2-1.

The final quarter was a scrappy affair, with both teams fighting for everything. Some great defensive work by the back 3 of Liam Witt, Andrew Leaker and Andy Kinnear to nullify some potential threats to the FLHC goal. The 3rd goal for FLHC would come 5 minutes from time, when Chris Lawson was found at top D 1v1 with a defender, beating him for pace and playing it across goal for a back post strike by Euan Cochrane, sealing the deal for a 3-1 win.

A solid win with some scrappy moments for both teams. MOTM this week was awarded to David Moir for some good midfield work and helping the team at both ends of the pitch. The result meaning FLHC win their opening 2 games of the season, with a trip to Garscube next week to face Glasgow Uni.

🏑 Matthew

🏑 Murray

🏑 Euan

🏆 David