Minus their Captain (Quadriceps strain) Burnt Ash were welcomed by Gravesham and Wellcome for what was expected to be a feisty encounter where Vice-Captain Si Bradley would lead the charge on pitch.

Starting up front today after his goal the previous week, Jay Chima started brightly and from one of the first attacks found Andy ‘Simmo’ Simpson for the opening goal – a clean strike from right of the top D. The goal came so fast the team videographer wasn’t yet in place to record it!

Moments later another team goal that went through a handful of players starting from the back – culminating in a delightful ball from Matty Lucas to Simmo making a leading run to the near post who almost first time reverse swept it under the keeper onto the backboard. Moments later another chance (for what could have been the fastest hat-trick ever recorded?) – saved!

A short corner would follow, earned by great work from Lucas and it was dispatched low into the netting by Jordan Jenkins for a goal on his return. Take a breath - the Gravesham side found themselves 3-0 up inside the opening 8 minutes.

Despite being 3 goals down so early the travelling side did not lie down. GW were unable to continue to be so devastating going forward but pretty much contained things at the back. Unfortunately despite not much goal threat from open play they did somehow give away a string of short corners and on 20 minutes Burnt Ash made one of them count.

After conceding the goal Gravesham and Wellcome would continue to have the majority of control and earned themselves another short corner through Bradley which Simmo was able to dispatch for his hat-trick.

Another chance before the half time had Simmo, eager to share things around, in two minds about passing to Chima but the early shot would probably have been the right call and the chance went begging.

At half time the team reflected on what was to come – taking note to not become involved in any antics if the game descended into gamesmanship - and expressed a desire to push on with the goal tally. The team discussed ways to better restrict the short corners that were going against them.

Second half started and Eren Basch moved positions to Left Back for his own development, with Nav Tung swapping the other way.

A few minutes in and Harley Moss found himself laying on the floor clutching his head. The game was delayed a little and he had to retreat to the bench for his own safety. The delay worked for GW more than Burnt Ash as seconds later excellent play would allow Simmo to find Ollie Simpson in a perfect position for a tap in on his league debut for GW2s.

Much to everybody’s annoyance – Burnt Ash were able to earn a couple more short corners and despite a save or two from Dan Stapley would score from one of them. Annoying because there really hadn’t felt like too much threat from open play – such was the sterling job the midfield and defence were doing.

The game continued but the heights of the earlier hockey were not now being maintained. Aside from one manoeuvre which saw Chris Owen then playing Right Back play a dream ball up the line to Simmo who after beating a defender advanced near post and dinked it over the keeper to an arriving Lucas – but the connection to the bouncing ball proved too tricky on this occasion as the effort went wide.

The result sees GW2s maintain their position at the top of the league going in to the half term break. They have one or two things to think about and improve on but must be happy with where they find themselves in this early part of the season.