A fantastically entertaining end-to-end midweek matchup resulted in a 1-1 draw between the Rivers and the host, Middlesex. The first half started quickly for Rivers, as they sent numbers forward and came close to creating some quality chances. Then, between minutes 12 and 15, Middlesex had two golden chances to open the scoring. The first was a point blank shot from Jivan Purutyan that Jacob Harris pushed above the bar and the second was a goal-bound ball that was cleared off the line by a Rivers defender.
In the 17th minute, Purutyan played Gavin Tasker into a pocket of space just over 30 yards from goal and Tasker hit a wonder-strike that left Harris with no chance for the 1-0 lead. Middlesex keeper Dan Carlson provided a monster save of his own, when Trevor Davock struck a clean half volley that was skidding straight into the far side net with pace, only for Carlson to show great range and touch it away at the last second with a diving save to his right. With Rivers trailing by a goal after the halftime interval, they sent a host of players forward to create enormous pressure on the Middlesex backline. This ultimately resulted in the tying goal in minute 60, as Cole Turissini flicked to Nick Hawkins on the left side of goal and after a deft cutback on to his right foot he buried the ball in the far side panel for the 1-1 draw.
Rivers continued to press, with constant danger posed by Trevor Davock up top and a warrior-like performance from Jake Stenquist in the middle of the park. The Middlesex team defense held together collectively, and the all-out attack from Rivers resulted in a number of chances for Middlesex to get behind the back line and push for a winner of their own. Each time, however, the immense Jacob Harris slammed the door shut with some amazing saves to preserve the 1-1 result.
