League: Milton Keynes 6 – 16 London University

Milton Keynes kicked off the 2017/18 league season with a 6-16 loss against a strong London University team.

It seems an age since last season wrapped up back in March with MK finishing 4th in East Division Two. After lots of summer sessions and a busy pre-season, MK were raring to go and welcomed league debuts from James Hutchinson, Matt Levett and Toby Jefferies.

London started on fire. They have a clutch of talented players including a couple of American students who collectively picked the MK defence apart in the first half, jumping out to a 12-1 lead. MK’s only first half goal came from Ben Amos, and to be honest, is was one of only a few shots from the men in green.

MK approached the second half with more purpose in attack and defence. The defence pressured the man with the ball, stopping London having the time to fine the killer pass. In attack, MK were more patient and moved the ball with some assurance. The perfect example was an attacking play where MK moved the London defence around for well over a minute before Corey Jamieson found Tom Duggan unmarked 10m in front of goal who slammed the ball into the net. Two goals from captain Jack Gambrill and two rockets from defender Giles Cuddy with the long defensive stick definitely need a mention.

In winning the second half, MK left the field with loads of positives to take into next week’s game at Buckhurst Hill.

MK Squad
Top from left: Christian Kenneth Brown, Tom Duggan, Giles Cuddy, Aaron Day, James Hutchinson, Toby Jeffries & Kyle Pim
Bottom from left: Ben Amos, Jack Gambrill, Corey Jamieson & Brett Satchell
(not pictured) Matt Levett & Rhys Kelham

Game Stats
6:16 (1:6, 1:12, 3:13, 6:16)
MK Goals:
#88 Jack Gambrill x 2
#1 Giles Cuddy x 2
#5 Ben Amos
#6 Tom Duggan