Oxted unfortunate in another close encounter

Another weekend and another attempt at getting along to watch some national level hockey close to home. This time, it was at Oxted, another club I've played at (nearly had more clubs than Tiger Woods!), who were at home to top of the table Wimbledon. Kit trivia wise, it was interesting to see Millington wearing Mercian against Carr in Obo. Last season I presume it would have been the other way around (probably wrong, didn't get the chance to find out!), as Millington had previously been in Obo, and Carr was definitely in Mercian last season! Don't think either were wearing arm pads (Carr normally wears an elbow pad on his right) as it wasn't obvious through their long sleeved jerseys.

Anyways, it was another close game. I missed the first half (not exactly punctual with my timings these days!), which was 0-0 and the second half was no difference really from the telling score line. It was a very close encounter and another tight game after watching HWHC battle it out with EG. No side truly dominated and whilst Oxted pushed forward and into the D, they didn't really have any obviously clear cut chances. The highlight (for me anyway!) was seeing the ball get stuck in Millington's kicker in between the kicker and shoe (ouch! It does happen!) and then some confusion as he took off his glove to remove it! A short corner was conceded after, but wasn't paying attention to the reasoning!

The kicker incident in all its glory!

In the battle of the goalies, Carr seemed more dominant, although Millington was off his line early when needed and made a crucial diving stop to his left to keep from the score line changing. In his second season as Oxted's starter, Carr looked much more assertive and commanding than when I saw him last, last season. Carr made some crucial diving saves low to his right on some corners (about three were conceded consecutively), and the only goal conceded seemed to be through a mix up with the defender. A sure sign of his development that has seen them achieve third spot in the East conference as opposed to last season's outing. He was much more vocal and engaged with his defenders than Millington seemed to be, pointing and shouting away with astute commands.

 The unfortunate goal that made the difference. Only way of not conceding it was potentially to split further or dive to the left to get in front of the defender and out the way!

 Blurry shot of Millington's crucial diving stop!

Interestingly (tedious for everyone else!), both left their goal to collect balls that have gone off the pitch to get the game moving quickly, something you don't always see low level hockey 'keepers doing, or even in footie!

Goalie ratings
As it's a blog about goalies and not sure/willing to rate the other team members, I'll give a basic rating (for the games I get to!).

Carr 5/5
Very vocal and showing his evolution and confidence with his commanding of the defence. Not much to stop (although more than Millington!) and did well against the remaining string of corners and tight angle shots.
 
Millington 4/5
For me, I think he could have been more vocal to match Carr and been more communicative with his defence. Although he had little to do, he did it well and ensured he kept a clean sheet.