MIDDLESBROUGH ROLLER HOCKEY CLUB sealed their highest league finish in the clubs history this past weekend with a dramatic victory away to League Champions Herne Bay United.
Having been early title contenders, the Teessiders had struggled to find enough consistency to maintain their title challenge and headed into the game looking at a disappointing fourth place finish.
Boro had already lost to HBU on two occasions this season and many viewed the game as a foregone conclusion. With pride on the line and nothing to lose however, the Boro boys proved they can beat anyone on their day by turning in a season best performance.
The game started at pace, with Boro controlling the early exchanges in front of a vocal HBU crowd. Unfazed by the added atmosphere, Boro continued to test the HBU defence and soon took the lead through a Michael Ableson penalty.
Unlike earlier games in the season, Boro managed to keep up the pressure on their opponents and took a shock three goal lead as Marc Rutland scored two in quick succession, the second of which being a superb chip and volley that is arguably a contender for goal of the season.
HBU reacted immediately through a series of tactical changes. Boro made some changes of their own however, determined to keep their opposition on the back foot. After a period of scrappy play, Matt Radcliffe managed to ease Boro nerves by rounding the HBU keeper to finish coolly in the top corner.
Now with a four goal advantage, Boro began to relax more on the ball. This came at a cost as HBU struck twice to bring them right back into the game. Shortly before half time however, Peter Lonsdale returned to the rink to add to Boro’s tally and give his team a 5-2 lead going in at the half.
The second half started exactly as Boro expected, with HBU looking to snatch an early goal and edge themselves back in contention. Boro managed to ride the early storm and after ten minutes looked to be sailing towards a comfortable win.
Never a team to give up, HBU showed their quality as champions as they began to play the ball around the Boro defence, creating chance after chance. Unable to bring the game under control, Boro conceded three unanswered goals during this spell and it looked like history was repeating itself.
At 5-5 and less than 10 minutes remaining, Boro were awarded a penalty that could see them regain the lead. Michael Ableson held his nerve to hit a clinical top corner finish and send a hush of silence through the HBU crowd.
As HBU threw everything they had at the Boro defence, selfless play and cool heads prevailed to see Michael Ableson make his hat trick with only minutes on the clock.
A display of resolute defending and phenomenal goalkeeping from Daniel Palmer ensured the Teessider’s kept their two goal advantage to finish the game worthy 7-5 winners.
John Jones
