Milton Keynes Storm Under 18s (Division 2)

Result:             3^rd February 2008. MK Storm 4 v Oxford Stars 3  

(1-1, 1-1, 2-1)

Milton Keynes overcame a strong Oxford challenge to confirm their serious promotion prospects. In a match that sparkled from start to finish, both sides contributed to a magnificent spectacle that would have graced any junior league.

Milton Keynes started confidently, and soon dominated possession, constantly threatening the Oxford goal. The visitors survived some early scares, only to take the lead with a quick breakaway goal (03:40). The match settled into a pattern, MK pushing forward and retaining possession for lengthy spells in the Oxford defensive zone, Oxford by contrast depending on an outstanding net minder and some rapier breakaways efforts. Unrelenting MK offence and an increased work rate put intolerable pressure on the Oxford defence, and good passing from Paul Halford and David Coffey gave Andre Dahlgren (16:48) time to fire home the equalizer, and his first goal at this level.

The second period was as tense and exciting as the first. MK continued to press, but Oxford net minder Hedges pulled off a series of remarkable saves to deny them. When Oxford broke quickly again, they took the lead for a second time (34:36), but MK never flagged, increasing pressure on the visiting nets. Ironically the equalizer stemmed from a breakaway  of their own, when Josh Nicklin roared out of defence, and threaded a pass across the Oxford goal for Harrison Goode to finish (37:11).

The final period started well for MK: Martyn Snape found Jacob Heron, who swept down the wing and delivered a perfect pass for Jamie Cox (43:26) to convert on the far post. But Oxford still refused to buckle, and they replied with yet another breakaway goal (45:43). MK lost their way briefly, conceding a number of penalties that the visitors should have made better use of, and would have without some forthright defensive work and quick reflex saves from Chris Chaplen in the MK goal. Gradually MK came back into the match, and once again Hedges single-handedly kept them at bay. With minutes remaining and MK again short handed, Glen Trivett intercepted a wayward Oxford pass on his own blue line, skated the length of the ice, and finished coolly in front (56:25). The final minutes only added to the drama, with MK again short-handed, and Oxford throwing everything at them. But somehow MK survived the onslaught and the final buzzer triggered well-deserved MK celebrations.

This crucial MK victory has blown the league wide open, and they now have every opportunity of getting promotion. Nevertheless there are still many hurdles to cross, not least of all a return match with Oxford next month.

+0; Glen Trivett 1+0; David Coffey 0+1; Paul Halford 0+1; Jacob Heron 0+1; Josh Nicklin 0+1; Martyn Snape 0+1  

MoM: Graeme Casey

Shots on Goal: MK 70         Oxford 26       (MK N/M Chris Chaplen 26/3 - 88.46%)

Penalties MK 44      Oxford 24