Mens 3s vs Bishops Stortford 5

Match Report: Letchworth HC vs Bishop’s Stortford HC – Saturday 9th November

After a disappointing loss the previous week, Letchworth were keen to respond as they hosted bottom-of-the-league Bishop’s Stortford. 

The home side started with intent, dominating possession and pressing high from the opening whistle. Their early pressure paid off after just 12 minutes when Matthew Smith fired home from a well-executed penalty corner to give Letchworth a deserved lead.

Despite continuing to control the tempo, Letchworth were unable to extend their advantage. Missed opportunities and some resolute defending from Stortford kept the scoreline tight, and just before half-time, a lapse in concentration, a defensive mix-up leaving Stortford’s big centre forward with a simple tap-in to make it 1–1 at the break.

Letchworth began the second half sluggishly, struggling to keep the ball for sustained periods. However, Bishop’s Stortford rarely threatened, and as the half wore on, Letchworth rediscovered their rhythm. With 20 minutes to play, the hosts’ renewed energy finally told. At 52 minutes, James Northern restored Letchworth’s lead with a precise finish from another well-worked penalty corner routine.

Barely a minute later, Matthew Smith, returning from a tactical rest, linked brilliantly with Willem Zwetsloot in midfield before slotting home his second of the match to make it 3–1. Now full of confidence, Letchworth moved the ball fluently across the pitch, and their dominance was capped off at 67 minutes when Mark Shadbolt put his body on the line and bravely squeezed the ball over the line to finish off a flowing team move.

Letchworth managed the closing stages with composure, controlling possession and comfortably seeing out the game to seal a 4–1 victory.

A strong response from Letchworth, who returned to winning ways in style — a confident all-round display and a valuable three points to build on for the weeks ahead.

MOM - Mark Shadbolt for putting his body on the line to score (strikers union).

DOD - Matthew Smith for that ‘creative’ aerial and an intimate moment with one of the opposition (though to be fair, his goal-scoring form probably made him hard to resist).

Honourable mentions - Willem Zwetsloot and captain William Piddock with solid performances.