UEL’s Men’s Hockey Team were beaten 7-1 by Greenwich at Lee Valley on Wednesday night.
Greenwich began with real intensity, moving the ball effectively in the early exchanges. The deadlock was broken in the fifth minute when the visiting side completed an intelligent move to make the score 0-1.
The away side exploited space down the wings and enjoyed a variety of attacking opportunities. UEL maintained a rigid formation and showed promising signs on the counter attack.
The East London team were patient and it paid dividends when Robert Wheeler stormed into the attacking third and struck home the equaliser.
It was a display of real gumption from the home side, and this was demonstrated by some exemplary hold-up play from Phillip Wilson to create channels further up the pitch.
Greenwich were more effective, however, and orchestrated some clever passages of play; consequently, they were rewarded and after two quick goals headed into half-time 1-3 up.
The second half proved difficult for UEL, who despite the increasing pressure, maintained level heads. Greenwich scored three quick-fire goals leaving East London with a huge job to do at 1-6 down.
A thunderous strike added to Greenwich’s tally and at 1-7 the competition was out of sight. However, UEL can be hugely encouraged by a spirited performance.
Joint-captain Sam McGrath saw the positives: “We’re a new side, improving all the time. It is gelling gradually, getting better week by week.”
UEL play University of Chichester 2nd on 09/11/16 at 15:30
