Folkestone Optimist 5th 2 v Old Bordenians 5th 4

• 10/10/2011
• L 2-4
• Old Bordenians

The Optimists left the field both bemused and frustrated – after having the lion’s share of possession and creating plenty of goal scoring chances they should not have lost the game.

With the return to action of the grizzled warhorse that is Paul Major a new understanding had to be established with Tom Leaver and it was while this was happening that the old boys released a speedy forward who made no mistake in front of goal. Unperturbed the Optimists forged ahead with their brand of flowing hockey making good used of Jacob Mackay’s overlapping runs down the right flank. This style of hockey inevitably led to a chance for Rolande Izzard which he dispatched forcefully. Bordenians struck back again using their pace to get behind the Folkestone defence and finishing clinically.

This is not an Optimists side to give up easily and they carried on with their brand of open hockey typified by hard running along good angles and simple passing, perhaps the best exponent of this being Khai Smith who had another very good game. The equaliser was inevitable but when it came it took several attempts from a matter of inches to get the ball over the line, the final touch being administered by Simon Thompson.

Sam (Hermes) Messenger had his usual eventful game, which included being launched by the opposition goalkeeper, but it sadly also included a missed chance in front of goal which would have given the lead to Folkestone. With the game delicately poised and with full time approaching, two short corners were awarded to Bordenians, both of which were converted leaving the Folkestone side beaten but with much to be built on in the coming season.