M6 vs Spencer Harlequins 

THD M6s won their first-ever Div 5 East match, and what a win it was.

Before the match, Spencer was the only team below THD and was completely outplayed the first time these sides met. They also won that match 2-1. And what followed was four harrowing months as the M6s continued searching for their first win, until Saturday, January 18th, when THD history was made and tears of joy were shed.

Skipper Guy Quittenton produced a rousing pre-match speech and THD was on fire from the start,. Henry Salisbury’s pinpoint accurate cross found Alex Alstadt to slap home at the far post before Spencer had even touched the ball. Being 1-0 up was a very familiar scoreline this season - the sixth time this had happened in fact - and as per above… we were still winless. Luckily the desire for more goals was met in emphatic fashion. Jack Henderson slotted home his first for the season and then the seemingly (see below) unstoppable Alex became the provider. His driving runs from the right first found Archie Maxwell to continue his goal-scoring form, then debutant Stig Isles (possibly not his real name), who demonstrated his class with a diving reverse deflection (possibly not the right side of his stick).

4-0 up at halftime and cruising. With Dan Lambert also looking to get in on the action, he displayed brilliant technique to hit a reverse shot, striking it cleanly to beat the keeper - then the goal - and straight into his unfortunate teammate’s knees. What followed was several minutes of painful howling as Alex lay on the floor, prompting concern from both sides. The good news? There was a paramedic on site. The bad news? Said the paramedic was also the player in agony. Luckily an ambulance wasn’t needed and he was well supported and helped off the pitch. He then later confirmed there was no fracture - great news - and thankfully a lighter tone to this match report was ensured.

The game resumed with the umpire offering to shorten the match by 13 minutes, which Spencer was particularly keen on. There was still enough time for Henry to get on the scoresheet with a deflected shot, but Matt Robertson had other ideas, advising the umpire the shot was outside the D. A truly selfless act, especially considering the goal apparently should have stood. Soon later Matt got on the scoresheet himself with a strong finish. No chance this goal was getting overturned.

It was a tremendous all-round performance and that first win was certainly not more than the team has deserved from the season so far. Dan took MOM for his creative and explosive performance, while Matt’s honesty got him the DOD vote. The M6s are now up to the dizzy heights of 9th with some more huge games coming up.

THD 6 

Spencer 0