A win against 8th placed Wycombe would likely see us go top of the league so it was a big game and one which required a big response from the Magicians. Wycombe had different plans and started the game with a series of attacks recycling the ball well and keeping the pressure on our defense.

We stayed solid at the back, with Clint, Andrew, Dave and Jamie protecting the D and stopping most action getting close to Rav who was hunkered in the goal. By mid-way through the half we were putting together some really nice passing moves and making good headway down both of the wings courtesy of some snappy interplay between Ollie, Elliott, Gianluca, Mark and Zach with the occasional pitch length, sub-orbital lob from Clint.

It wasn't long before all these efforts started to connect with the Magician's 'Hatrick Heroes' lounging expectantly in the oppo's D. Viren picked up a ball on the left side of the pitch and took it towards the goal, managing to get a quick shot off, which was saved by the keeper. As ever, Tim was perfectly placed to capitalise on the rebound, and with superb skill deftly placed the ball into the middle of the goal with a reverse stick flick that was so powerful it went clean through the net. Demonstrating a wonderful knack of making the game look so effortlessly easy it was several seconds before anyone even realised that a goal had indeed been scored - magical stuff. The next 10 minutes saw a number of short corners conceded by both sides - but all were well defended.

Towards the end of the half we were rewarded with a second goal after some great build up play which resulted in another saved shot. Again it dropped to Tim for a decisive and sublime flick into the goal. 2-0 was how the half ended.

We started the 2nd half knowing that the next goal would be critical - it was still all to play for. Both sides started strong with some good end to end hockey, which at times even required a response from Rav. A good number of well worked attacks from us led to a few short corners but we were unable to convert them despite solid efforts from Clint and Tim. The oppo were getting frustrated, leading to some strong challenges, which were more than matched by some hearty responses from both Clint and Dave. After 20 minutes of play a Wycombe attack eventually found its way through our defence and Rav committed himself with a sliding block. However a hastily executed 'fouetté' which he dimly remembered from his ballet days went badly wrong and he ended up in a disheveled heap as the ball trickled past his pads and into the goal. 2-1 and Wycombe were back in the game.

A crucial few minutes followed but finally, a short corner was won in the Wycombe D. All it required was a strong injection from Dave......erm....anyway, once the ball had trickled slowly and unintentionally to Viren, he deftly side-stepped an oncoming defender. Without a clear path to goal, and for the first time in his hockey career, he sent a pass across the top of the D to Tim. This shook Tim to the core. He visibly recoiled, stunned...A pass... from Viren... in the D....how...why...what now...His mind raced in confusion, but swiftly he overcame the abject shock. He shrugged, loaded up another dreamy flick, and without thinking, the ball slid into the bottom right of the goal. 3-1 Final Score.

Let's not kid ourselves, yes, there were 11 Magicians on the pitch, but throughout, all eyes were on the 66 shirt as his elegant play and beautiful movement on and off the ball dictated the result. His finishing for all three of his goals was superb, but so was his skill, his movement and his ability to find space. After a performance like that, who knows what the future holds.

Match report: Tim Brennan
MOTM: Tim Brennan

ps a 'fouetté' is a 'whipped turn', like a pirouette but uglier and, as it proved, pointless.
pps: credit to Danny Murphy's BBC article on Eze’s hatrick on Sunday for a couple of the soundbites.
ppps: Viren does pass really….sometimes.