Men's 3s lose to South Berkshire

Fielding a young team where only 3 players were classified as "adults", the match started badly as South Berkshire scored within the first minute of the game; everyone bar one opposition striker thought that the ball would go behind for a hit out - a few seconds later the ball was in the back of the goal...

The team regrouped brilliantly, leaving their defenders with no time on the ball. The opposition were opened up by a fantastic pass by Mackenzie Capaldi (on debut), however the South Berkshire goalkeeper kept out Kev Manning's effort. Unfortunately, Yateley's luck continued to desert them when half way through the first half when a pass inside our D was diverted by a Yateley defender's stick into the goal, to leave us 2-0 down at the break.

After the break South Berkshire continued to press, but were continually thwarted initially by a resolute defence, and then 3 or 4 fantastic saves by Callum Massey. South Berkshire managed to score a third on the counter attack with around 10 minutes left to complete their victory.

At the end of the day, it was experience what showed - South Berkshire's average age was around 7 or 8 years older than Yateley's, and South Berkshire were able to punish our mistakes more efficiently than Yateley. However the team performed very well, and the new 2-3-2-3 system instructed to use by Tom McLean worked very well. If the 3s are to perform like they did on Saturday throughout the season, it should be a very positive season!