Mens 2nds v Ashby

Phew! not a game for the faint hearted. Any last hope for Ashby to sneak into the promotion spots meant that they needed to win this game and, in truth, anything less than a win for Asterdale would have effectively ended our hopes as well. Derby welcomed back Sonny from his soiree in India and I'd like to say he looked like he'd managed to keep fit on his 3 week adventure - I'd like to say, but as he came crawling off the pitch gasping for air after 10 minutes we can only envy all that beer and good food he's had! To be fair once he re-entered the fray he had his usual solid game. No one could fault the effort of either side and whilst Derby probably had the most chances Ashby always looked a threat on the break and man of the match Greg Lloyd had to be at his vigilant best to snuff out many of their attacks. Tom Mc scored the opening "powering" the ball over the line from a goalmouth scramble following a penalty corner (those who saw it will realise the irony of the word powering as the ball crept over the line!) and a tense game ensued, so much relief came midway through the 2nd half when Jamie fired home from another penalty corner. A late goalmouth scramble saw Sonny stop the ball on the line with his foot resulting in a yellow card and a converted stroke but Derby played out the final 2 minutes without further alarm for a 2-1 victory.

So all very tight at the top, we're currently top but both Leicester Uni and Newark have games in hand which they're expected to win - we've lost 1 and drawn 2, whereas Newark are one better having only drawn 1 and lost 1 but with the Students in the box seat having not lost any and drawn 2. All very exciting, no room for any mistakes and the captain getting greyer by the week!