Monarchs 5 v 0 Harris II
Monarchs went into this game knowing a correct sequence of results could play them into the play off frame this weekend. They started off reasonably well and did have the ball in the goal early on but it was disallowed.
Monarchs could not find the gear that gave them the comprehensive win from last week through the first 45 minutes, and it was only in the last 25 minutes that they came to life with some strong passing hockey and some good goals. Fraser McGuffin scored his second hattrick in the same number of games, and Doug Ingram made it 3 from 3! Doug also passed up on a second goal, by putting the ball off the crossbar from a yard and then missing the follow up. Chris Gray completed the scoring with a well taken penalty.
Monarchs v Gordonians II
Monarchs 7 v 0 Gordonians II
Monarchs brought about the first defeat of the season onto the Gordonian II team. Even though they were understrength, they were well organised and were happy to try and control the pace of the game.
Monarchs went ahead through Brent Mitchell, before Doug Ingram and Fraser McGuffin added to the first half tally.
Monarchs domintated the second half and good performances by the forward line, saw two goals a piece from Fraser McGuffin and Jamie Vale secure a valuable win.
This win was all the more valuable, when it was noted that MBC had once again taken full points also. The space for the play off place hots up, and it is only 2 weeks until the two teams meet.
Monarchs v Granite City II
Monarchs started their second game of the season at home with the aspirations to keep their undefeated status. It appeared to be going to plan when Doug Ingram popped up early on to force home a pass from Mike Forbes.
Unfortunately, Monarchs could not hold onto their lead and through the rest of the first half, GCW restored parity.
GCW went ahead early in the 2nd half and Monarchs were unable to find the all important equaliser. Monarchs did not play badly in this game, but just did not quite click and turn on the style they know they are capable of.
MBC won their game to close the gap to 5 points as both teams hunt for the all important play off place.
Monarchs Relegated
Monarchs suffered relegation from the National League indoor scene for the second year in a row. After a strong start in the season, Monarchs faded badly, allowed other teams and umpires to control the games. This led to the downfall in Monarchs league position.
Needing at least 4 points in the last session, it was always going to be a hard time, in the first game against GCW who are poised to win the league. A good performance saw Monarchs trail by 2 at half time. 2 late goals saw the game slip from Monarchs grasp.
Game 2 against Glasgow Uni should have been the game where Monarchs made the most of sharp passing, skillfull midfielders and youthful attackers. Instead, whilst 2-1 down the ESM umpire decided that 2 yellow cards were in order and that GK would receive a yellow card. The 3 goals they scored whilst the team was down was enough to end the game for Monarchs. Monarchs were rightly furious after the game.
Monarchs put up a very good fight in the last game against ESM and at the end, whilst playing with a kicking back, could have had a draw that would have meant ESM went into their last session needing points.
It was not to be however and Monarchs will hope that league structuring might allow them another chance of National 4 next season. This is in the hands of the SHU.
Stepps 5 v 0 Monarchs
Monarchs entered the Scottish Cup for the first time as a club and faces one of the stiffest tests in Scottish Hockey. Stepps, undefeated at the top of National two, would prove to be too much for a battling Monarchs Team.
Monarchs worked hard and it took a bit of good luck and 28 minutes to break down the team.