For the first time in almost a month, Oundle were back on home astro against table topping Towcester 1s. Towcester had been free scoring so far scoring 23 goals in their first 5 games. Oundle meanwhile, had not been free scoring, but had been tough to break down, boasting the 2nd best defence in the league conceding only 6 from their first 5 games.

It was another strong line up for Oundle with 15 players showing up, and 1 who had heard about the captains exploits on a previous captains brand new carpet and wanted to replicate. 

Oundle were without Old Dan Phillips who had suffered a recurrence of his previous injury. Goal a game Dalley made his return to the team following two weeks out, looking to stake his claim as this season’s top scorer.

Towcester pushed back to get the game underway, the early stages seemed slightly nervy from both teams, trying to figure one another out. Oundle came against a similar high press system to the one they have been playing this season. Towcesters style of play caused Oundle some issues with the defence given no time on the ball. Oundle though had the first chance of the game and were unlucky to not open the scoring with Willow, who beat his man and ran into the D, his low shot narrowly wide.

It took until midway through the first half for Towcester to make their breakthrough with their right winger running past the Oundle full back like he wasn’t even there. He broke into the D, and hit a pass across the middle of the D, Oundles centre back was unlucky not to stop it, his touch taking directly into the path of the onrushing Towcester forward who scored.

Both teams had received a short corner in the first half but were unable to make them count. Towcester won their 2nd short corner of the match right on the stroke of half time. Towcester flooded forward, their drag flick coming off the stick of the right postman nutmegging him as it dribbled in.

Despite being 2-0 down at half time, Oundle had played well and were still in the match.

Oundle started the 2nd half quickly with Towcester unable to make it out of their own half. Oundle won a number of short corners, castle no 1 being the preferred option today, despite having three bites at the cherry. George’s third attempt was hit well but high and hit the Towcester postman square on his wrist.

With Oundle slightly on top everyone pushed forward. Unfortunately this left some gaps at the back which Towcester looked to exploit. Towcester were able to break down Oundles left, reliable vice skipper Adrian Millan rushed over to make the tackle not once… but twice… both times missing the ball, the umpires left with no choice but to brandish a yellow card.

Towcester nearly added a third goal when they broke into the D down the left hand side hitting the ball in across the face of goal. An Oundle foot deflected the ball towards the Oundle goal forcing a last second goal line clearance to prevent Towcester from adding to their lead.

Throughout the match Towcester proved to be a physical side, Dalley being body checked off the ball in the first half being one notable mention. Midway through the 2nd half was one too many for Towcester who received their first yellow card of the match.

Towcester added their third late on in the 2nd half after a goalmouth scramble in which Oundle failed to clear their lines. Well the clearance fell straight to Towcester whose initial shot was deflected home from close range. 

It wasn’t the result Oundle wanted who came away feeling disappointed at the result. After this weekend’s round of fixtures Oundle find themselves 5th in the table. Next week Oundle go again, travelling to the team directly above them in the league table; Khalsa Leamington 3s. HWTL.