Men's 2nd XI Vs West Bridgford 5

30-3-19
Snhc vs West Bridgford 5

With the temperature officially reading ‘Scorchio!’ South welcomed 4th place West Bridgford to Bingham, looking to show them they were the undisputed best team in the league (Non Beeston/Belper division) for the final game of the 2018/19 season. The previous meeting between the 2 in January was one of the games of the season with a last touch of the game goal from WB resulting in a 3-3 draw following a South comeback from 2-0 down.

With a large ‘final day’ squad of 14, South were aiming to rotate and give everyone minutes, the teamtalk revolving around enjoying the game with nothing tangible to play for with both teams locked into their league places. After a delayed start caused by a 4 legged pitch invader, WB started the strongest, pouring forward regularly as South struggled to retain possession but defended resolutely with Tommy not having to make many saves, bar an excellent double stop with the WB forward using his pads as target practice. South began to grow into the game and while still trailing in the possession stats, created the better chances with a smart effort from Ellz being just turned around the post by the keeper and skipper Grozzy having a shot cleared off the line by a WB defender following an excellent break from Gary and Cotters down the right. Eventually however South conceded first, as per tradition, but WB’s lead didn’t last long. Winning a short late in the half, Batty spectacularly cocked up the injection but it was dealt with well by Mark Green at left slip and he played it back for Batty to take a touch before slamming a shot in at the near post for his second of the season. TWO Batty goals! It really was a wonderful season.

The second half saw South play much better and largely dominate the game although WB posed a major threat on the counter. Temperatures threatened to boil over with WB’s savvy defender picking up the ball to stop a quick free hit being taken on the edge of the D. Preventing a clear goal scoring opportunity he knew what he doing and was lucky to get away with it and Jon let him know it. Both teams later saw shots fizz just wide of the mark as they tried to take the lead but overall, clear chances were few and far between. South eventually took the lead with quick passes worked up the right hand side inside South’s own half between Batty and Mike seeing Sharpie released up the middle and a trademark bullying run took him to the edge of the D where he played the ball into Jon. Jon span on it and hit a rising drive that was heading just wide until Grozzy stuck out a leading stick to deflect the ball in for his 32nd goal of the season, smashing his career best of 24. Unfortunately as in the first game after coming from behind South couldn’t hold onto the lead late and a deflected high ball into the South D was well turned in by a WB player on the volley to level the scores. 2-2 was a fair result between evenly matched teams but South won the season series on the away goals rule...

The game wrapped up an immensely successful first season back in the league for South Notts Mighty 2’s and despite a few poor results (Derwent 3’s and 4’s spring to mind) generally played outstanding hockey and enjoyed several big wins and will be looking to compete for the title next year if they stay in their current division (which is TBC after clarification on Beeston’s promotion).

Final standings:
Played 22 W14 D3 L5, For 80 Against 52, GD +28, Points 45