Mens' 1st XI beat Wimbledon 2s in Quarter Finals of the Surrey Cup

Reigate were given one of the tougher draws in the Surrey Cup quarter finals against Wimbledon 2s, who currently sit third in the London League Premiership. Reigate, though, are riding high, currently sitting top of their league having only suffered one loss all season. The beautiful Sunday sun meant perfect hockey conditions, ensuring that the capacity crowd were in for an exciting game.

And what a start they were treated to! Reigate came out the blocks at break neck speed, on the back of motivational words from player/coach Simon Owen, back in the side after a short absence due to injury. Good play down the right hand side resulted in a Reigate short corner, which was duly dispatched by Tom Pickersgill, taking his season tally to 33.

Reigate withstood the Wimbledon pressure well, with James Brooker stepping into centre defence proving his class against some quality forwards - paired with Arran Wood at the back ensured there were few clear cut chances in the first 15 minutes for the opponents. Eventually pressure told and Wimbledon earned a short corner, only to be foiled by keeper Henry Williams who was equal to the clever routine. 20 minutes into the half, after good attacking play by Chris Walker, Reigate further extended their lead with Pickersgill getting his second of the match.

Wimbledon then got the lucky break they required in front of goal, after a fortunate break meant a lose ball bobbled out from underneath Williams, into the Wimbledon forwards lap, meaning Reigate went into the half time break 2-1 up.

Wimbledon really turned the screw in the opening 10 minutes and two goals in quick succession then put the visitors ahead. They had further chances to be ahead too, with a number of chances going whistling past the far post.

However, as is the beauty of the cup, Reigate managed to find a way back into the game through an unlikely source – Jez Gray, often employed as a maverick defender, found himself with time and space in the D, to chazzwazz the ball past the Wimbledon keeper with 5 minutes to go, to set up a nail biting finale to normal time. Alas, no goal would come in the final few minutes, so, as was inevitable, the game went to golden goal extra time.

A fruitless first half meant all the pressure was on the final seven and a half minutes. Within moments of starting the second half, Reigate upgraded to a short corner, which has been an attacking force that Reigate have had a huge amount of success with this season – unfortunately on this occasion Pickersgill flicked wide.

There was still enough time for controversy yet though, with Wimbledon earning themselves as corner with 2 minutes to go. The initial shot was saved by Williams, however he then earned a bizarre yellow card and a temporary suspension, which saw him on the sideline for the rest of the game.

The Wimbledon players deserve full credit for their sportsmanship after this yellow, allowing Reigate time to get Jez Gray to don the pads and step in between the sticks for the final few minutes. Unsurprisingly, after all the excitement, the final few minutes proved to be a bit of a non-event, resulting in the game going to penalty stokes.

With keeper Williams now allowed back on the pitch, the crowd were set for a nail biting finale. Pickersgill confidently dispatched the first penalty, before Williams then saved from the Wimbledon skipper. James Chesterton was next, again coolly finishing. Williams then saved the next penalty, putting Reigate well into the driving seat. Brooker then stepped up to slot home to make it 3 from 3 from RPHC; Williams then saved the final flick to give Reigate the win.

The whole team really played out of their skin, doing well to keep up the intensity against a quality opposition. Simon Owen, again, proved his class in midfield, picking up the man-of-the-match award.
Reigate will now play Purley in the semi-finals, with the date tbc.

Squad: Williams, Wood, Brooker, Morris, Harvey, Dowling, Owen, Porter, Vidler, Baxter, Walker, Chesterton, Pickersgill, Rankin, Gray