Hampstead away, Prem - 17 Oct 2009

A bright start by Hampstead saw them retain possession for the first few minutes, but the Purley defence had also started well and was limiting Hampstead to low percentage shots. When Purley did eventually get the ball Jamie Tasko rapidly got them on the score sheet with a tight angled shot. This settled and motivated the Purley side, and the game developed into a very even contest with the quarter ending 2-2.

The second quarter continued in the same tight manner; and in tight games it is essential not to give away soft goals, but that is exactly what Purley did. Uncharacteristic disorganisation in defence, and indiscipline on the ride which led to a couple of man downs cost Purley dearly. Too often when it mattered Purley were half a yard short, and despite it being a very competitive quarter in most respects, where it counts on the score sheet Purley trailed 4-8.

Purley really needed to turn it around quickly in the second half, but increasingly they gave the ball away far too cheaply. With that much possession Hampstead had the freedom to play their fluent and incisive style of attack, and with the lead widening it very rapidly became apparent the game was over as a contest, the final nail in the coffin being when Purley also lost some much needed defensive organisation as Andy Booth was sidelined midway through the third quarter. However, that loss did mean new D boys Andy Fernando and Dave Copple had plenty of game time to find out what playing against top Premiership opposition can be like; it was tough, and there's plenty to work on during the season, but overall they both acquitted themselves pretty well. Final score 6-16.

Goals: Mike Barrett 3, Dave Bennett 2, Jamie Tasko 1
Ref: Simon Peach