The first home game of the season fell on a voraciously autumnal day in early October. Despite the prospect of a constant downpour, a decent (socially-distanced) crowd gathered at Broadwater to support the M1s.
Historically West Hampstead have proven to be banana skin for Guildford, so the message was of wariness and sticking to our strengths - and intense style of play was key.
The first half was a display of dominant possession but ultimately a failure to put the ball between the posts. A flurry of balls delivered to the back post by veteran Dan Fox were opportunities gone begging, but Guildford continued to knock at the door.
After a series of unsuccessful short corners it was down to goal scoring hero Ross Ferguson to break the deadlock with a classic drag flick from the top of the circle. Although 1-0 ahead, West Hampstead still managed to threaten Guildford's circle and indeed scored from a short corner only for it to be overturned by the umpire for an offending foot.
The half time whistle came and the main message was patience.
The second half was even more dominant than the first and finally the goals did come. Persistence paid off and Ferguson grabbed two more goals to complete his hat trick whilst goal machine Matt Fitter leathered home a half volley from 3 yards out and made the final score 4-0 to the good.
A big improvement on last week the squad will take confidence with them when they travel north to Banbury next Saturday.
Sam

|