Washout at Holcombe (for Holcombe!)

Well, I think that's how the phrase goes, although it was definitely a wet and windy night in Kent watching Holcombe! Popped up the M25 to go and see (for various reasons, some will become obvious later!) play Richmond in the East league. At least it terms of a 'washout', Holcombe did put quite a lot of goals past their opposition as they look to storm into the promotion playoffs. Wimbledon are keeping astride with their own goals scored, and it looks like goal difference is the only thing that will separate them (Holcombe going top after yesterday's match) and will be interesting to see how things pan out next weekend. Great to see level of competition like this in the national league as shows how strong England's talent base is.

In terms of atmosphere, there was a very solid crowd with a good club atmosphere with fans going in and out of the club house to watch the game and keep warm! I *think* Chris Hibbert and a few of the Southgate players were in the stands not far away from my perching spot, which just goes to show that national league players still enjoy watching the game (I think Kwan Browne goes to EG occasionally!), plus Southgate had played Canterbury earlier so made some kind of sense for them to be going to the game as they passed on through on their ways home!

Holcombe have added to their squad, with the notable additions of short corner specialist Gareth Carr, and Danny Hall, both from East Grinstead, and 'Steph' (Stephane Vehrle-Smith) strengthening the team (who was at HWHC if I'm not wrong!) who are looking for promotion to the premier league. Interestingly, other than Ali McGregor, Allan is the only other scotsman I am aware of (could be wrong, usually am!) that has played in the national premier league recently or at all (maybe!), with a season for Surbiton and then out with injury when Bristow took over, as much as I know. Which just goes to show that he's already got what it takes for them to move up to the premier division.

The scotsman was very vocal, probably the most vocal goalkeeper I've seen when watching national league games this season and it was nice to hear the accent coming through his helmet (having relatives from Scotland makes hearing it appreciable)! He was very loud and proud and in constant communication with his defence. He made a great save diving out mid-high wide with his rhp against one of Richmond's short corners and other than coming off his line to slide in didn't have all that much to do. And other than that appeared jovial and upbeat, as if he actually wanted to be there, good to see such a level of enthusiasm coming through when playing at this level, which you don't always see! Just goes to show how much he enjoys playing I guess!

He was commendable and commanding of his defenders, 'clapping' his gloves (i.e. banging his stick on his lhp) to show his appreciation to his defensive team mates, which Iwan Williamson of Wales and Whitchurch does a bit of. Trivial but interesting to see how he would crouch and (nerves/boredom/not sure!). Kit wise he was also wearing an ice hockey dangler rather than the generic square dangler you see with most hockey goalkeeper's helmet/cage 'combos' (hayward). Interesting to note that both goalkeepers both wear full arm guards, which considering the set-ups in the East league is a little different to the norm, but protection doesn't always mean lack of flexibility with arm movements! Richmond's goalkeeper had a dashing spot of pink for his Obo pads, with orange outer colouring for an interesting colour combo scheme.

Felt sorry for the Richmond goalkeeper, especially considering the score line. And it goes to show the difference between national and regional prem. A lot of questions will always be asked of teams that have been promoted up from the regional prem league into national league, about whether their goalkeepers are able to carry them to success and evolve to the level of play at the elitest of levels. It just goes to show the difference and development needed and the importance of an elite goalkeeper. He used an interesting low glove stance you don't see often in the national league, although Brom & Beck's starter does similar.

Richmond's goalkeeper's stance at the corner. Obviously struggling with my camera AGAIN!

The unfortunate 'blooper' goal. It went in between the goalkeeper and the defender on the right post.

Richmond's goalkeeper looking despondent after said goal.

Ratings
I can be a harsh critic at times, but writing about one of these games is a little tricky if it is a team effort. One team was stalwart, the other a little troubled, perhaps. These guys are national league standard and from an outside perspective makes it harder to be judgemental, so critical viewpoints become even finer and hard to do I feel. 

Allan Dick
4.9/5
Very vocal and commanding. Made some great stops at corners and in field play when called upon. One of the goals conceded was right at the post, not sure what he could have done about it really, perhaps could have gone in have for the tackle otherwise unsure!

Tried searching all over the place but couldn't work out the Richmond goalkeeper's name shamefully
4/5
He did make a hash of a short corner, expecting to go down and then getting caught out as the ball went by as he tried to get back out to stop. Perhaps should have been more patient and upright before committing? Other than that make some crucial tackles/interceptions when coming his D and could do little to stop the penalty flick he faced.