| Match Report |
South Notts 2nd XI 0 vs Nottingham HC 2nd XI 5
After the 1st few games of the season seeing much effort for no reward points wise, South Notts 2nd XI were optimistic we would open our account today. Alas it was not to be as a well drilled and skilful Nottingham ended up winning at a canter.
South Notts welcomed back Will Honey into the centre of defence next to the other Will. With two Wills in defence confusion would reign, so Will Honey became just Honey; the look on the Nottingham players as Mark in goal kept shouting “Honey” was a sight to behold!
The early exchanges were even with South looking dangerous on the break, but with Nottingham enjoying the majority of possession, helped on occasion by some wayward and overly optimistic passing by South. A Nottingham attack resulted in a penalty corner, from which a penalty stroke was awarded after Steve performed wonders to even get to the ball but unfortunately his feet prevented the goal. Despite Mark getting stick on the flick the ball went in off the post. South regrouped and went again but a lapse in concentration saw Nottingham extend their lead with a well worked attack finding an attacking midfielder unmarked as he ghosted into the D, turned well and slotted the ball past the despairing dive of the South keeper. With the stuffing momentarily knocked out of them South skipper Jon and attacking midfield powerhouse Nathan displayed the fantastic work rate for which they are renowned, providing a great example for the rest of the team. South played their way back into the game, but went in at halftime 2-0 down.
Unfortunately, the 2nd half went much as the 1st had. South failed to follow the skippers half time instructions and continued to gift possession to an increasingly confident Nottingham. Coupled with the occasional lapse in concentration the Nottingham attacks became more frequent. Two penalty corner goals and another well worked passing attack saw Nottingham extend their lead to 5 by midway through the half. However, South also demonstrated that when they played to their strengths and were disciplined with possession they were a match for a team who had played in the league above the season before. Excellent work rate and skills from both Steve’s and Ben (who has has a most impressive season so far), combined with Nathan and Jon’s Duracell bunny impressions, continued to take the game to Nottingham. Will and The Honey Monster produced tackle after tackle against Nottingham’s impressive front line, while the brothers Rhys & Finn never gave up and continue to show great promise. South’s other yongen, Henry, produced a fine performance at right back against a player of much experience and skill. Finally, the not so yongen Mike up front ploughed a lonely furrow, working hard for no reward throughout the game.
Overall a disappointing result but with a good number of positives which South can take into our next fixtures and apply to ensure we bag the points our work rate and application deserve.
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