Coming back off their first defeat of the season the Folkestone second team were eager to get back in form against Blackheath’s first team at the Three Hills ground. The 13-man squad, stripped due to injury, knew that the side they faced were strong and experienced, but the Ops went into this fearless and with determination.

Lining up with a half court press to maintain control, despite an anomalous first minute short corner, the first 15 minutes were all Folkestone’s. A solid defence led by Shaw and Wishart left Blackheath’s forwards unable to make a dent, being tackled at every turn. Outlets from Ithers with skills rarely seen from a half back allowed balls up the left side to appear from nowhere. Stone, using his speed, sprinted past their front line meaning all options were available.

The midfield of Furneaux and Rumsey controlled the centre with passes and lifted balls creating chances to attack and options for the defence. Ball and Coombes made runs through the Blackheath defence that left little to be desired, filling us all with hope that the ball would find the back of the goal soon. Coombes only recently joining the side has proved himself to be essential in the future of this team. Captain Hopkin alongside Doyle provided the perfect mix of youth and experience making things difficult for the defence.

Despite such a strong start their opposition found a goal, but this did not rock the Optimists. 5 minutes later super sub Timmins put one away, balancing the score sheet. The second but no means lesser Hopkin joined the fray in the middle showing that no amount of break from the game can dull a Hopkin blade.

The Blackheath team found their base and started to work the defence out. With combined years of hockey knowledge and blistering pace of youth, Blackheath scored a second and seven minutes later capitalised on a loose bobbling ball in the D to make it 3-1 at half time. Folkestone went into the break disappointed but by no means broken.

The second half brought further pain for Folkestone seeing Blackheath clinically string passes together proving how they made their way into the Southeast Premier. Folkestone defence found themselves struggling to keep the ball off their feet facing short corner after short corner. With a Blackheath cannon at the top of the D and a speedy countering force, the goals came thick and fast. Ithers throwing himself into danger prevented some of these chances but alas with 10 minutes to go the scoreline had exploded to 6-1. Hope of getting points from this game diminished by the second.

Brenchley in goal had made such incredible saves that it was a mystery how the ball was finding the back of the goal. His star moment came from tackling a player, skilling them with deft control of his left-hand pad, and clearing the ball. Mystified and confused, the striker could do nothing but put this behind him and try his best to forget the defeat.

Folkestone did not give up for one second. Despite being outclassed this day they weren’t going out without a fight. Ball, in what can only be described as a “hold my milkshake” moment, took on a multitude of Blackheath players alone, shocking them to their core and instilling a fight in every one of his team members.

Unfortunately, despite digging their heels in, in the dying embers of the game Blackheath took one more leaving the result as a 7-1 defeat. A lot to learn for Folkestone but no one can fault the fortitude shown fighting to the last minute. The scoreline did not reflect the level of effort by the Ops but Blackheath earned their victory. When the whistle went Folkestone shook hands with smiles in the face of this adversity and looked towards the next game.