Dartford Hockey Club

5/11
Dartford 1sts earned a hard fought 4-2 victory against Gravesend 2nds thanks to a great committed performance from the whole team. Having gone 1-0 down to an early goal in the first 2 minutes, Dartford battled back and Ali Chapman evened the score with a superb reverse sweep strike. Trailing once more at 2-1 Becca McWhinnie got on the end of 2 fantastic drives into the D taking Dartford into the lead and a further clean strike by Louise Lawrence in the last 5 minutes took Dartford to a win that will see them remain 2nd in
the Division.

Dartford 2's played host to Bromley & Beckenham this weekend. With a very early goal by Keeley Wiggett, it made us goal hungry for more. Keeley Wiggett got a hatrick in the end with some great play upfront with Vicky Godfrey. The other goal was scored via some double whammy twin action, with a great ball passed into the D from Jackie - Jane got a touch to it to make it 4 for Dartford. Unfortunately we did concede one goal against us. A new rule in the rule book - don't swing to hit the ball it's dangerous (don't tackle from behind then!!!). One main injury to contend with, Sam C with a dislocated Patella - Get well soon Sam we need you.

Thirds match was cancelled, oh well, four goals, three points and no injuries!

12/11
Dartford 1's played Cliftonville at home today. Although some key players were missing the team worked together very well. The new players making great contributions and playing extremely well. It was a very competitive game but played in the right vein. Play was constantly swapping from both ends of the pitch. In the first half Dartford had the edge and led at half time, but Cliftonville changed their attacking tactics and came out determined. Despite great efforts by the team, especially Deborah Pearson in goal, Cliftonville equalised and then went ahead. Dartford kept pressing though and had some unlucky penetrations into their D. Our persistence paid off though and we fought back to score the final goal. Final result 3 -3. Ali Chapman scoring a hat trick for Dartford. Great game Everyone!

Second team had a well deserved week off!

Dartford 3s hosted Faversham at home this saturday. With 12 players, yes 12 - you did read that right, we had the luxary of rolling subs. The first half saw Faversham attack hard, and despite good defeinding, half time saw a 4 goal deficit. Despite the scoreline, Dartford had spent some time attacking but couldn't quite convert. The team talk at half time, and a second super sub in the form of Cathy, brought a better second half, spending much more time attacking, and only conceeding antoher two goals. The match was throughly enjoyable, with both teams entering the true spirit of lower league hockey and playing with honesty.

My personal favourite moment of the match was Alex's first attempt at a bully, with the umpire and Faversham letting us have another go.