04/05 Season
Milton Keynes vs Haughton
Date: 27-Nov-04
Score: 3-0 (25-23 25-23 25-23)

Back to winning ways …

Milton Keynes were coming into this game having lost their previous two matches, so the lads were determined not to lose a third. Despite Haughton being a well organised side, mixing youth with experience, they had only won one match this season so far. Because of this, it was not expected to be a thriller, but a hard fought match - and that it was.

The Milton Keynes lads started the strongest, taking an early 4 point lead in the first set. However, Haughton were not going to let Milton Keynes take the game easily, as they rallied very well, putting pressure on the home team. The first set typified the whole match, as the teams battled to the end, seeing Milton Keynes take an early lead, as 25-23 set winners.

Milton Keynes changed their line-up for the second set, switching old timer Dave Goddard into opposite the setter, with Colin Brown coming on through four. This seemed to perk Milton Keynes up, as again the home side took an early lead, which was sustained throughout the set. Again the home side managed to hold off a strong push by Haughton to take the second set 25-23, and a 2-0 lead.

Milton Keynes have had too many 5 set matches this season, and are still the team that has played the highest number of sets in the division, so they were determined not to let this game slip. It was the same story yet again, as Milton Keynes were not able to take a significant lead against the battling Haughton. However, the home side had one last push at the business end of the set to take the 3rd set 25-23 (again) and the match 3-0. The lads didn't know what to do after such an early finish…they are so used to 5 set matches!

Credit to the Haughton lads, who had a long trip for a 3-0 loss, but they battled well and should be happy with their performance, if not the result.

With some strange results in the division this week, just proving that anyone is capable of beating anyone this year, Milton Keynes find themselves holding onto second place in National League Division 2, but there are many teams right behind them.

Next match: A double header weekend on the 11th and 12th December, away at Warwick Riga II on Saturday, followed by a trip to Bristol on Sunday.

Team: Matt Almond, Simon Barton, Colin Brown, Tim Daun, Dave Goddard, Ant Moffat, Scott Robson, Kevin Smith, Andreas Whitley

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