League: Milton Keynes 7 – 7 East Grinstead A

MK snap their 2-game losing streak with a hard fought draw against EG ‘A’ who have now drawn their three opening games.

Our American friends may look in disbelief at the British desire to allow drawn games but it makes the return game at East Grinstead later in the season one to look forward to. Both teams has shots rebound off the goal pipes. MK had the best chances late on to score a winning goal but the EG defence held firm.

EG jumped ahead to lead by two in the opening quarter but MK put into practice a game play worked through in training. MK created more shooting chances that in both previous games and negated any fast break threat coming from EG. The overall intensity was much better than last week against Buckhurst Hill. Attack-minded players were all looking to take on their defender but EG are always a well organised team who are difficult to break down making few mistakes. MK relied heavily on the finishing skills of Webborn who scored four goals, with Captain Gambrill getting two and face-off man Amos grabbing a key goal in the second half to tie the game at 6-6.

Special mention to man-of-the-match Tom Duggan who stepped into a long stick defensive role today as MK were short of one specialist defender. He instantly formed a great trio with Day and Bascom in front of goalie Land who’s save ratio was much improved over his debut for MK last week (any rustiness now fully flushed out).

Eyes now look forward to hosting Reading Wildcats 2’s next Saturday and improving from this draw to grabbing our first win of the 2017/18 season.

MK Squad
Patrick Land, Aaron Day, George Bascom, Tom Duggan, Ben Amos, Corey Jamieson, Toby Jeffries, James Hutchinson, Matt Sawyer, Jonny Prince, Jack Gambrill, Rhys Kelham, Brett Satchell and Chris Webborn

Referee: Rob Gooch

Game Stats
7:7 (0:2, 3:4, 6:6, 7:7)
MK Goals:
#16 Chris Webborn x 4
#88 Jack Gambrill x 2
#5 Ben Amos

MK Man-to-the-Match: Tom Duggan
MK D-of-the-Day: Toby Jefferies