Casuals had a tough start to their indoor season this weekend: despite some close score lines, they failed to win any of their five away matches.

The Ladies had the majority of possession against Casa Pia U18 Boys yesterday, but their finishing let them down. They went 2 goals down at the end of the first half and, despite  pulling one back early in the second half, the boys added a third. Casuals reduced to 2-3, but couldn’t find an equaliser.

The U13s were always going to find it difficult playing a man short against Casa Pia B and, despite only being 1-3 down at the break, eventually lost 3-8.

In the Men´s match against Futebol Benfica, the young Casuals team got off to a great start, playing a fast passing game and scoring two excellent goals. Although the hosts pulled one back, the last minute of the half saw Casuals score their third, but immediately allow their opponents to reduce to 2-3.  In the second half the Casuals’ game lacked the same fluidity, and another defensive lapse levelled the scores at 3-3. It was a cruel blow when Futebol Benfica scored a winner 2 minutes from time from what seemed a bouncing ball.

The evening’s U18 game against Belenenses Ladies got off to a slow start for both teams. Belenenses scored a sloppy opening goal and Casuals continued to create problems for themselves. Their opponents added goals from a penalty corner and another soft goal. In the last ten minutes Casuals played some better hockey with more energy, and were rewarded with a consolation goal at the end of the game.

In today’s evening game against Casa Pia A, the U15s also struggled to find their feet and eventually lost 2-4 to a more experienced team.