Langley Park remain ever Hopeful

LANGLEY PARK School’s 1XI hockey team beat off rivals Kent College to secure the Kent Cup for the Bromley based comprehensive side. The eagerly awaited fixture took place after a convincing nine nil victory over Simon Langton of Canterbury in the Semi's with Kent College, 'KC', beating Sutton Valence 3-0 in the other semi.

The game began with Langley providing much of the early pressure however they were fully aware of the threat KC could cause on the break. Most of the chances in the first half fell Langley's way providing some impressive and crucial stops from England under 16 keeper Diccon Stubbings. The deadlock was finally broken midway through the first half when newly transferred turned Langley boy Michael Lawrence finished a fine attacking move slotting the ball past the onrushing keeper.

Langley went into the break one up and were encouraged by head coach Sam Naismith to 'keep their heads'. Langley continued to attack in the second half creating more openings to further their lead with KC producing very little upfront. The main aim of the half was to wear the opponents down and to gain more short corners, a target that was met by the players and mid-way through the second half Langley had got their second.

The corner that initially was blocked by the KC defence but after pressure from the forwards and a shot rebounding back off the post the ball fell to Matt Granell who lifted it passed the helpless keeper into the roof of the net. Langley managed to contain their composure for the remainder of the game however seemed poised for a nail biting last few minutes after it looked as if Kent College had pulled one back when a driven ball was deflected in. After strong appeals of a 'foot', from Langley players most noticeable enraged captain William Bishop throwing his stick to the ground. Umpire Mr Hardy paused the game briefly to converge with his partnering umpire and after a short in depth discussion the goal was ruled out much to the despair of Kent College, brandishing Hardy a cheat. Five minutes later the full time whistle sounded to the delight of the Langley Boys and the small army of supporting parents.

The victory rounded off a successful day for Langley with the 1XI completing a hat trick of victories with both the under 14's and 16's winning. Thoughts now turn to the South-East finals this Sunday where Langley go on to represent Kent competing against other schools in hope of reaching the nationals were the top schools in the country compete to be the best in England.