| Match Report |
West Bridgford 6 vs South Nottingham 2
14.03.20
Nathan Gerrard reporting, taking his match report writing virginity after taking a break last week..
Apparently there is some virus thing going on around the world, but that wasn’t going to stop the hockey season, it’s match day!.
With a big shift around in personnel, the mighty 2s made the short trip to Bridgford against the lower of the two in the league, with a number of the younger juniors bringing down the average age of the team by some bit. South knew it wasn’t going to be an easy game, but it was the chance for the young guns to step up and shine, and gain experience at this level.
After captain Grozzy had taped the goal net up the game was underway with Bridgford coming forward with a similar mix of experience and youth testing south’s shape, with Brian and Stevie P holding strong in the centre. The always commanding shouting from Mark in goal told his men where to be and soaked up the pressure. With Ian holding in front of the back line the chances were coming in a D to D game from both the flanks and middle with Stephen and Arthur on the sides, and Finn and Nathan in the middle. The never ending tireless running and movement from the front three of Grozzy, Ellz and Jon it was only a matter of time until one was surely going to score.
With the youngsters of Rhys, Sam and Hamza eagerly awaiting on the side line, south pounced first. Stephen picking the ball up on the left, a little pass to Grozzy who fired the ball to Jon, who drew the keeper out before neatly laying the ball off for Ellz to fire into an open goal 1-0 South. From there it was a very even game with all the juniors rotating in well and proving they are ready to play in the mighty 2s. Hamza enjoyed his own little battles down the left against one of their youngsters, Arthur matching Rhys’s work on the left and up top, and Sam swapping in with Finn.
After a strong confident team talk at half time, south knew the game wasn’t won as Bridgford had men with experience and talent that could easily change the game on its head.
The second half had chances at both ends with Mark pulling off some great saves and if it wasn’t for Bridgfords keeper south could have easily been a few more up after pulling off some great saves with Nathan running into the D to the byline and pulling back, Jon and Grozzy firing balls in and Sam with his double chance with the keeper.
The experience of Brian and Ian dropping to help defend ensured south didn’t want to concede a goal. A break away deep into Bridgford a half looked like south were going to double their lead eventually with Nathan picking the ball up in the middle and running unmarked to the top of the D, only to be stuck in two minds whether to shoot or pass, instead firing the ball at his captain (sorry Grozzy, how’s the thumb?).
The final minutes of the game were full of Bridgford pressing forward in souths half and some questionable umpiring decisions giving shorts and free hits against Brian, but south held strong and came through with a well fought tough 1-0 win. No hand shakes allowed, south touched sticks with a very well drilled Bridgford team.
Every player gave it their all and the man of the match will be a tough shout as everyone deserves it today.
All of the juniors should be proud of themselves and take the confidence to the end of the season and push to be in the 2s for the last two games.
The win keeps the pressure on the top two and lets just finish the season with wins.
End result:
West Bridgford 6s 0 - South Nottingham 2s 1
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