Men's 1st XI Vs Beeston 4th XI

Beeston 4s 3 v 2 South Nottingham 1’s

Stuart Mills reports

With 11 sleeps until Christmas, South hoped to deliver an early Christmas gift, with three points against a strong Beeston side, which contained a number of former South players, in a rearranged fixture.

After last weekend’s disappointing result, South knew they needed to start brightly, but gaining possession of the ball was always going to be difficult against an experienced Beeston side. In the early encounters, South kept their shape well and some fantastic saves from Mark on his first team debut ensured they stayed in the game. South are like Manchester United (Play in the same colour kit) at times and produce their best counter attacking hockey when they are under pressure. The pace of Carlos and Captain Gaz Bland broke the Beeston hold on the game and a dangerous ball across found the energetic Gaz Rich, who just deflected his effort wide of the post. Eventually, the Beeston pressure told with a fantastic finish from former South Notts player Chris Pink, which the outstanding Mark couldn’t keep out.

A resilient performance from Tommy P, Joey, Fletch and Jim with some gritty tackles and composure under a fantastic press ensured South were only 1-0 down at half time and the game was well within their grasp.

At half time, the message was clear use the ball smarter and quicker and South would be in the game. An early short was evidence of South growing into the game on a tricky surface. However, South felt robbed when a shoulder high ball was smashed into the box and turned in by the Beeston player to double their advantage.

Once again, this South side showed their not a side who rolls over. Tireless running from Ben Ryder in midfield and the classy Robbo, who for me was the best player on both teams, got hold of the ball for South and started to give them a bit more attacking threat. It took a moment of individual brilliance from Tom Crossland to fire South back into the game. A rare mistake from Beeston saw Tom collect the ball before beating the Beeston defender and firing into the corner with a superb reverse stick finish.

As South pressed, they were caught out again by Beeston as they regained their two goal lead with a smartly worked goal, which the outstanding Mark could do nothing about. But again this South side won’t quit. A great bit of attacking play from youngsters Archie and Carlos saw South win a short corner and it was that man again Tom Crossland, who fired in from the short.

South gave it their all for the final few minutes but were unable to find an equaliser. But a 1 goal defeat away from home to a strong Beeston side was nothing to be ashamed of.

All in all, South can look back at the first half of the season with real pride. Currently sitting in third place in a very competitive league; only having lost 4 games in the whole of 2019; some stunning comebacks and the development of the younger players leaves the team looking forward to the second half of the season with a lot of optimism.

Have a great Christmas everybody!