Asked to define hockey, most players would probably produce something along the lines of: "An 11-a-side game in which two teams try to propel a ball into the other's goal using sticks."

Not so Pete Lezlatt. The Mill Hill captain threw the rule book out of the window and stunned opposition Leighton Bustard by opting for a 4-4-1 formation and dropping 11th man and star striker Ryan Slender.

"I wanted to create more space upfront to exploit the pace of Mike Salomon," he explained afterwards. He refused to divulge whether going 2-0 down was also part of his masterplan.

But that's exactly what happened as the home side took advantage of some of the clumsiest marking since Rolf Harris last put brush to canvas.

Undeterred by the freezing rain and driving winds Mill Hill gradually started to find their feet. Swift, fluid accurate passing and incisive running gave hope of triumph in the face of adversity. Bussard started to look pedestrian as the Mill Hill hordes swept forward in the manner of the Janissaries of Sultan Suleiman the Magnificent enthralling southern Europe in the 16th century. Reward came in the form of a short corner. Nick Warr, wielding a stick smuggled into the country in defiance of UN treaties restricting the proliferation of weapons of mass destruction, smashed the ball into the corner.

With something tangible to take into the break, Mill Hill started the second half brimming with confidence. And the opposition played into their hands, earning the umpire's ire, and two yellow cards, through a combination of reckless tackles and loose lips.

But in the end it was the midfield what won it Although Solly up front sometimes seemed as isolated as a democratically elected president at a meeting of African leaders, he was nonetheless backed up by the full military armoury. Laz, like a sniper rifle, picked off attacks and distributed the ball with deadly accuracy. Craig blazed away with the raw power of a shot-gun while Warra was simply a tank, combining awesome firepower with a obstinate insistence on going through anything he couldn't go round.

A second, equalising, goal from Worr set up a tantalising finish. Despite their lack of practice, Mill Hill produced a short corner move of slickness, grace and precision, reminiscent of Torville and Dean in their prime. The onrushing defenders could only watch in amazement as Warra passed through them and slipped the ball to the keeper's left.

Sensing the opportunity for a memorable victory, Mill Hill pressed on and Apay twice went close (to connecting with the ball).

The isolation of the venue and the stormy weather could have provided the backdrop for a horror story but instead the visitors ensured a fairytale finish. Fittingly it was captain pete who secured the 3 points , making amends for some lacklustre short corner pushouts with a devastating close-range finish.

After the match Bustard put on mince pies. It was a nice gesture, but they needn't have bothered. The Millers had already had their fill of early Christmas gifts.