Mens 2nd Team

Mens 2nd Team play in East Midlands Premier Division of the MRHA

Team captain
Will Brydon
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Mens 2nd Team News

Men's 2nd XI League v Hampton-in-Arden (Home) 03/12/11

HT 0-0 FT 2 -1

I missed last week's home defeat to local rivals North Notts and was wondering which South team would turn up ~ the one that passes the ball around well and plays with spirit or the one that enjoys watching the opposition play so much it insists on passing the ball to them at every opportunity. Evidently last week we played well until we got inside the opposition 25 so this week we were looking for commitment, effort and hopefully shots on goal taken quickly and confidently.

Early on we put Hampton under a lot of pressure and took the game to them. Playing as high up the field as we dared we often had three players pressurising whichever Hampton player was unfortunate enough to have the ball. However, as the game progressed we started to let them back into it and allowed them a few attacks, though Tommy Hall was hardly troubled. We always looked the better side on the break but lost shape in midfield being pulled to far right or left and with no clarity over who was or should have been playing where. Paul Innocent looked threatening up front but was often inadequately supported . The last ten minutes saw us raise our game and put increasing pressure on Hampton's goal without managing to break the deadlock.

Half time and 0-0 was probably a fair reflection but of the two sides I felt that we had the better chance of winning. We started the second half well with a few well worked moves and confident running off the ball. Even when Hampton, rather luckily, went ahead from a short ~ 9.10 ~ (did the ball hit a Hampton foot before looping over Tommy's head?) I still felt we would come through. Just four minutes later we won our third or fourth short of the game and I was convinced the goal would never come ~ when did we last score from a short and when did we last look like we had a plan. However a smart injection and return pass to Matt Robinson lead to one of the most unexpected but welcome goals we have had. Yes matt scored his first for the club and was relieved when the inevitable round of drinks was called for later that only Will and I were there to take up his offer. He'll no doubt tell you it was a lightening strike and hit the backboards like a thunder clap and I'll not ruin things for him by saying otherwise. The only disappointing thing about the goal is that the celebration was rather muted ~ no Battyesque robot or camp flounce just an amazed silence when Matt, the team and spectators realised he had scored. First of many we hope.

Moving on then..... An inspired substitution brought Ryan Day back onto the pitch in centre midfield where, receiving the ball just inside the Hampton half, he drove forward past two and then ~ I can't believe I'm writing this ~ passed to Paul Innocent who looked to have lost the ball, then controlled it and scored neatly leaving the hapless Hampton keeper flatfooted. 16.27 and we were 2-1 up with lots to play for. Hampton a physical but not dirty side became more and more robust and in response one or two of our challenges matched them ~ Tom Crossland being fortunate not to see at least a yellow card after one thirty yard sprint to flatten Hampton's Milky Bar Kid defender. The rest of the half saw increasing South pressure as Hampton tired but sadly no more goals followed.

This result proves that when we put it together we are the match of anyone in this League and need fear no one. Next week sees us play second placed Coventry and North Warwick our first away points of the season would be a great way to start the Christmas celebraions. Oh and my man of the match ~ well Matt's goal whilst worthy of note doesn't quite make it for me. Overall this has to be seen as a team effort but if i had to single someone out it would be Nathan Wakeland ~ every time he was on the ball he looked likely to do something and when, on the odd ocassion, he lost it his tackling back was excellent. Sadly he's one of a few likely to be unavailable for next week. Chris Read is another ~ his physio has been on his case and it now looks likely he'll not be available for the rest of the season, we'll certainly miss not only his skill on the pitch but also his clear view of the game and contribution to team talks ~ Chris we wish you a speedy recovery.

Men's 2nd XI League v Nottingham University (Home) 12/11/11

HT 1-1 FT 2 -2

Men's 2nd XI EHA Trophy 2nd round v Northampton Saints (Away) 13/11/11

HT 0 - 0 FT 0 - 0

After Extra Time 0 - 0

After penalty flicks 6 - 7

I was going to write totally separate reports for these two games but as I experienced a weekend of tense hockey I thought it best to join the two together. On Friday I was asking myself why I bother with being involved with hockey a game I've never, well rarely, played. I must have asked over 25 people about availability for Sunday and still only managed to get 12 ~ including myself. However, sitting here now I know exactly why I continue to be involved and hopefully the following reports will give you a flavour as to why that is.

Nottingham Uni came to Bingham having played five and won five scoring 31 goals in the process and clearly felt we were there for the taking ~ they quickly learned otherwise. Lively play from both sides saw the ball move from end to end with neither side taking real control. Uni were fast and eager and with eight of our 13 under 21 we were able to match them most of the time. Matt Woods broke the deadlock with a well taken half volley (11.32) becoming our top scorer this season in doing so. This goal shocked Uni and lead to a spell of South dominance. Gradually Uni worked their way back into the game and the fact that the tension was mounting was underlined by a flurry of green cards. Uni pulled one back (26.53) and went into half time knowing they had a game on their hands. Our half time talk concentrated on us keeping shape and holding our tongues and we felt that if we did that we would spring a surprise.

The second half started much like the first with Uni piling on the pressure but South's defence holding firm. In fact they had so much pressure that Freddie Sail was given more of a workout than he or the rest of us would have hoped for. The fact that he stopped everything thrown at him and was able to get up to stop rebounds and second and third shots did much to take the wind out of Unis sails (I should look into turning that into a cheesy headline). Chris Read managed to put us ahead after twelve minutes with a slightly disputed but excellently taken strike, free hit to himself, pass the mdefender, draw the keeper and slot it away ~ simple. South pressure followed for a while but Uni worked their way back into it eventually managing to score an excellent goal on the counterattack, Freddie having no chance this time (22.00) ~ 2 all. South continued to defend well to the final whistle and had several opportunities to score a third but sadly. Tom Curtis, had another strong game ~ his second in three years, and Matt Robinson showed the benefits of coming training with another mature and confident performance. However, the man of the match was without doubt Freddie Sail whilst Uni were never better than us they had more chances but Freddie despatched them all. Speaking to the opposition afterwards they could not get over how well he had played and suggested he was the difference between the two sides ~ that he is just 18 was a further shock to them. If Birmingham or Sheffield don't come off I would guess that Notts Uni HC would have a word with the admissions officer and be pleased to keep him in this area next year.

.... and so to Sunday and the long trip to Northampton Saints of Midlands premier League ~ two above us. With a scratch side featuring Leon Pinkney up from the 4s and Adam Sharpe from the 3s, as well as your correspondent kitted up but not keen to play we went into this knowing we had nothing to lose. That they had lost at home 7-2 the previous day meant they were likely to be eager to put a win in the tank. We started well moving the ball around and taking our time. However it wasn't too long before we went back to trying too hard to do too much, going for the hopeful pass and giving the ball away. Saints had some lively players and were well organised, not to mention a larger squad which they rotated well. Once again Freddie was challenged and came out on top forcing their attack into impossible angles and stopping any shots on target with ease. The best chance of the half fell to Joe Aston from a rare, but perfectly placed, Ryan Day pass but sadly it went centimetres wide. Saints had increasing amounts of possession and were always eager to attack but to be fair never looked like scoring.

So we went in at half time feeling confident ~ sadly Will Brydon injured his ankle and was unable to play on which meant I came into attack and our options were much more limited. The second half saw a succession of short corners for Saints but oddly I never felt worried when they got one. Regular readers will recall that we went several games and 25 shorts before converting one, well Saints must had had approaching 20 in this game and never looked likely to score ~ odd that. With Leon settling well in our defence and Adam making his usual robust and straightforward contribution South's defence (the most parsimonious in East Midlands Premier League so far this season) held strong. Saints had nearly all the possession but our midfield dropped back and soaked it all up. Gaz Bland and Joe Aston doing sterling work and even Ryan managed to hold his tongue ~ a good job as the umpiring from Saint's Rachel was firm but fair. I should mention that Katie, suffering from a combination of a hangover and pre-match bee-sting was a sweetheart once again doing umpire duties on our behalf.

At full time there was still no score and we went into sudden death/golden goal extra time with one of two people looking a little tired but to be fair also really fired up. We knew we were under pressure but they are two leagues above us and hadn't done anything to show it. The first seven and a half minutes were tense with Saints having most of the pressure and a few shorts but the best chances falling to south as we continued to counterattack fluently. If only we'd had someone up front who knew how to hold a stick it could have been so different. Once again the goals didn't come and Freddie continued to bat away the pitiful efforts of a fading Saints attack. We changed ends (still 0-0) and with them once again facing into the sun we knew we had a chance ~ especially if it came to flicks. The second period of extra time was a replica of the first Saints attacking and South defending like Trojans, we gave nothing away and managed a few decent counterattacks but just weren't able to score the all important goal. The final whistle went and we were into flicks.

We won the toss and, at Freddie's behest, allowed them to go first. They scored their first two as did we (Matt Woods & Gaz) before Freddie parried the third away. Sadly Joe Aston missed his so they were able to go ahead again before Ryan brought us level. They missed their fifth and Pinky (looking slimmer this week) had a chance to seal it for us but missed ~ 3-3 after five. So once again we were into sudden death the first three from either side were successful Joe making amends for his earlier failure ~ 6-6 ~ before Freddie once again saved. It would be true to say that hardly any of us could look at each other as Ryan went up hoping not to be delayed by another passing horse and, with what I like to think was the best flick of the whole competition, well it did win us the game, he converted. 7-6 to South and a win To be fair I may have got the order a little wonky here I was too tense to write anything down and at times found it hard to watch but the key thing is we won!!!!!! My man of the match ~ there are too many to single out it was a real team effort and if we can play anything like this next week Nottingham will not have an easy ride at Goosedale.

A fantastic weekend of hockey and one which I'll remember for a while. A measure of how it affected me ~ I went to the bar to buy a round of drinks before I had even collected the match taxes to pay for it. If only we could get teams out more easily. Oh and the next round ~ Quarter Finals ~ is on 5th February and could be almost anywhere in the country, we'll lnow by tomorrows but specially for Grant Sail I can confirm it won't be SDouthampton but could be Lewes which is just as far.

Men's 2nd XI League v Boots (H) 29/10/11<

HT 1 - 1 FT 2 - 1

This was our closest game to Halloween this year and arguably the scariest thing anyone associated with this team will witness for a while. We started slowly looking out of touch and uninterested. Boots as ever played well as a team and used their greater experience and physical presence to good effect playing a very robust and pyhsical game. They deservedly took the lead after 14 minutes following a period when they had most of the posession and any that we had we happily gave back to them. However, we always looked good going forward and it was good to see Matt Woods in positi0n to complete a flowing move of his reverse stick ~ 17.37 for the pedants.

Half time was a muted affair we knew we could win it but equally we could give Boots the points. The aim in the second half was to keep possession and spend more time in Boots' territory ~ we didn't! Insread we continued to look for the ambitious pass and plough the well worn furow down the middle of the pitch. High points were few and far between but Tom Curtis playing his first game in two seasons looked comfortable on the ball and when he gets his hockey brain working on full power will be a real assett to the side. Tom Pitsillos had another solid game, well supported by those around him he is coming on well and is a real prospect, more pitch time will help him develop further ~ paticulalry pleasing was his willingmess to umpire the 3s after our game finished. That was something matched by Nathan Wakeland who had a great game on the wing ~ he was one of the few people on the pitch, possibly the only one, who was positive and forceful in everything he did (sorry Nic looks like you'll need wider doors afterall).

So back to the game itself ~ the closer the final whistle came the more tense things became ~ one goal for either side would do it. A good South attack brought only our second or third short of the game and whilst it was not a tidy effort Matt Woods' second reverse stick goal of the afternoon was greeted with joy and relief. I had just over 34 minutes on my watch and could hardly wit for the final whistle.

Not the best game i've witnessed but three points will do and it puts us into third place in the table. We have the trip to Leicester next week with a few people away but the return of others to look forward to. I'm hoping for a more fluent performance, better discipline and some goals to celebrate.

Men's 2nd XI League v Nottingham (Away 19/11/11)

HT 2- 0 FT 2 - 1

The euphoria of our cup result last week was not sufficient to sustain us this week as we limped to a 2-1 away loss ~ what is it about us that we seem unable to play away from home? Joe Aston had done sterling work during the week to get a side out, apologies to ken for the lack of communication at times, we'll try to be on the same page a bit more in future weeks.

Nottingham, despite their indifferent start to the season, are always a difficult prospet at Goosedale and this game proved that. they started well and profited from some loose passing by South to take the lead from a questionable short after just eleven minutes. Fro where I stood Freddie having made a decent save rolled away and made the ball available for Tom Spencer to clear and there was no reason for a short but I didn't have the whistle. The goal itself was to say the least lucky the finishing touch being a hopeful prod which somehow managed to bobble pasttwo white shirts as well as Freddie. Stunned by this we were unlucky to concede another short just a few minutes later and witness another unusual goal ~ thge injection failed to reach the edge of the D and had to be pulled out by a Nottingham attacker, just crossing the line before being brought back in for a shot which, to the watching Will Brydon' and me looked like it was a bit on the high side. The unpires debated it but the goal stood and after thirteen minutes we were 2 down.

The remainder of the first half saw increasing South pressure and some excellent attacking play but still a tendency to give the ball away easily and not protect posession. At half time we altered the midfield platform slightly and reminded the team to move atound, play the ball on the ground and be patient. The change in our play was dramatic, suddenly we were in control and Nottingham were on the back foot. Flowing play brought Simon Good's first league goal of the season after eleven minutes and the game was on. South pressurised Nottingham's defence and had lots of chances but whilst several attempts went close we were unable to close the gap. Our defence started things well with Matt Woods just in front of them relishing a new more defensive role that still allows him to attack but also be more involved as a key play maker, he linked well with Tom Crossland and Joe Aston, leading the team with confidence in Will's absence, and i felt the goal would come. Perhaps we were a little distracted by unwarranted barracking from the sidelines but really we should rise above that. The last five minutes or so were frantic, Nottingham holding on desparately whilst South sought the much deserved but elisive equaliser. We will play worse than that and win ~ the aim in future weeks will be to strat each game as positively as last week and as we played the second half this week. If we do that we will surely rise up from sixth and be a challenge for every other team in the league.

Men's 2nd XI League v Nottingham University (Home) 12/11/11

HT 1-1 FT 2 -2

Men's 2nd XI EHA Trophy 2nd round v Northampton Saints (Away) 13/11/11

HT 0 - 0 FT 0 - 0

After Extra Time 0 - 0

After penalty flicks 6 - 7

The second half started much like the first with Uni piling on the pressure but South's defence holding firm. In fact they had so much pressure that Freddie Sail was given more of a workout than he or the rest of us would have hoped for. The fact that he stopped everything thrown at him and was able to get up to stop rebounds and second and third shots did much to take the wind out of Unis sails (I should look into turning that into a cheesy headline). Chris Read managed to put us ahead after twelve minutes with a slightly disputed but excellently taken strike, free hit to himself, pass the defender, draw the keeper and slot it away ~ simple. South pressure followed for a while but Uni worked their way back into it eventually managing to score an excellent goal on the counterattack, Freddie having no chance this time (22.00) ~ 2 all. South continued to defend well to the final whistle and had several opportunities to score a third but sadly failed to do so. Tom Curtis, had another strong game ~ his second in three years, and Matt Robinson showed the benefits of coming training with another mature and confident performance. However, the man of the match was without doubt Freddie Sail whilst Uni were never better than us they had more chances but Freddie despatched them all. Speaking to the opposition afterwards they could not get over how well he had played and suggested he was the difference between the two sides ~ that he is just 18 was a further shock to them. If Birmingham or Sheffield don't come off I would guess that Notts Uni HC would have a word with the admissions officer and be pleased to keep him in this area next year.

.... and so to Sunday and the long trip to Northampton Saints of Midlands Premier League ~ two above us. With a scratch side featuring Leon Pinkney up from the 4s and Adam Sharpe from the 3s, as well as your correspondent kitted up but not keen to play, we went into this knowing we had nothing to lose. That they had lost at home 7-2 the previous day meant they were likely to be eager to put a win in the tank. We started well moving the ball around and taking our time. However it wasn't too long before we went back to trying too hard to do too much, going for the hopeful pass and giving the ball away. Saints had some lively players and were well organised, not to mention a larger squad which they rotated well. Once again Freddie was challenged and came out on top forcing their attack into impossible angles and stopping any shots on target with ease. The best chance of the half fell to Joe Aston from a rare, but perfectly placed, Ryan Day pass but sadly it went centimetres wide. Saints had increasing amounts of possession and were always eager to attack but to be fair never looked like scoring.

At full time there was still no score and we went into sudden death/golden goal extra time with one or two people looking a little tired but to be fair also really fired up. We knew we were under pressure but they are two leagues above us and hadn't done anything to show it. The first seven and a half minutes were tense with Saints having most of the pressure and a few shorts but the best chances falling to South as we continued to counterattack fluently. If only we'd had someone up front who knew how to hold a stick it could have been so different. Once again the goals didn't come and Freddie continued to bat away the pitiful efforts of a fading Saints attack. We changed ends (still 0-0) and with them once again facing into the sun we knew we had a chance ~ especially if it came to flicks. The second period of extra time was a replica of the first Saints attacking and South defending like Trojans, we gave nothing away and managed a few decent counterattacks but just weren't able to score the all important goal. The final whistle went and we were into flicks.

A fantastic weekend of hockey and one which I'll remember for a while. A measure of how it affected me ~ I went to the bar to buy a round of drinks before I had even collected the match taxes to pay for it. If only we could get teams out more easily. Oh and the next round ~ Quarter Finals ~ is on 5th February and could be almost anywhere in the country, we'll lnow by tomorrows but specially for Grant Sail I can confirm it won't be Southampton but could be Lewes which is just as far.

Men's 2nd XI League v Leicester (A) 05/11/11

HT 0-1 FT 0-2

We assembled what we thought was our strongest squad of the season and made the journey to Leicester with some confidence ~ that said we realised that at home on their water-based pitch they would be a handful and that is exactly how it turned out. Whilst we played well in patches it was just that, we never managed to put together a concerted period of pressure, much less of possession. Chris Read back from cricketing duties in Hong Kong looked lively as did Tom Crossland in his first competitive game of the season but somehow nothing gelled. We persisted in this season's failing of giving away possession through half-hearted or speculative passing and our continuing failure to cope with sides pressing forward and putting us under the cosh. Continued poor discipline meant that the umpires had cause to speak to several players and I was worried that a yellow card was imminent that Joe Aston and Matt Woods came closest was perhaps the most surprising aspect ~ though why Joe's knocking a ball away when conceding a free hit warranted a talking to when four identical efforts from the men in black didn't I'll never understand. As the half went on we managed to put together some better passages of play and so conceding a goal in the 33rd minute was to say the least disappointing.

At half time we felt that the scoreline flattered Leicester and that if we concentrated on keeping possession and playing the ball around we would get some reward for our efforts. It ios true to say that in the second half we did much better, winning a series of short corners (four I think) but failing to convert any of them ~ a long way to go yet before we get close to matching last season's dry spell. We went close several times but were clearly struggling with the unfamiliar surface and with leicester's tactic of sticking a man on the back post, swatting the ball into the D and hoping for the best. We had lots of chances , sadly none clear cut, before Leicester managed a well taken goal on 31 minutes and that was that.

We'll play worse than this and win and should take heart that we didn't play badly it was simply that leicester, a lively confident outfit, played better. Next week sees us host high flying league leaders Nottingham University on Saturday before the trip to Northampton Saintsd for the EHA Troiphy match on Sunday. So a hard weekend is in prospect but there is no reason why we should goi into either game with anything other than confidence and entusiasm ~ we are a good side and one day we'll actually play like we believe it, why not next weekend?

Men's 2nd XI League v Boots (H) 29/10/11

HT 1 - 1 FT 2 - 1

Men's 2nd XI EHA Trophy v Stafford (H) 16/10/11

HT 2 - 0 FT 6 - 1

Following on from a dominant 5 - 1 win over Coalville on Saturday the 2s went into this game full of confidence. Eleven of the unprecedented squad of 15 had played the previous day and we were bolstered by the return of Brian Blackmore and Chris Pink, Rob Jenkins and Gaz Bland from the 1s squad. Stafford from West Midlands 1 also won the previous day (2-1 away to Stone) and came into the game in a bouyant mood.

The early exchanges saw a well organised and lively Stafford take control as South persisted in giving away possession ~ it wasn't that we were being tackled so much as our passing was lamentable. However, as the game progressed we got better and put together a number of good attacks hitting the post on a few occasions and going close on others. Jack Howard, back from Newcastle for the weekend, opened our account on 20 minutes and I barely had time to write down the details before Burto added a second. We dominated things from then on and whilst the half time scoreline flattered us there was sufficient for us to feel that the second half would bring more goals.

Stafford started the second half well as we had our usual period of sloth ~ what is it about half time that puts us to sleep? Tom Spencer topped a smooth attack from South with a goal on five minutes ~ despite playing at left back at the time ~ and we felt the floodgates would open. That the next goal, a decent strike from a penalty corner, was in Freddie's net (14 minutes)was a bit of a shock. Less of a shock was Gaz Bland's yellow card for a typically robust challenge ~ that we were the better team when reduced to 10 men speaks volumes for the spirit that is building in this side. Good moves saw Simon Good and Chris Pink go close before Matt Woods added our fourth on 24 minutes followed by one from Joe Aston (30), a second from Tom Spencer (34), back in midfield, rounded things off nicely.

Overall a decent performance with some good individual performances and teamwork. One of the most surprising elements of the game was the fact that Joe Waldman couldn't complete the game ~ evidently he's suffering from shin problems due to possible over-training. Sadly it's unlikely many of the 2s will have a similar problem. We've a week off next week to recharge batteries and recover from a busy weekend. We'll have to manage without Jonty Barnicott and Jack Howard for a few weeks and they may well miss the next round of the cup on 13th November but in the meantime I'm looking forward to seeing us strengthen our position in the League. Finally many thanks to Louis for umpiring and Katie for being a sweetheart and doing the hosting duties for us.

Mens 2nd XI v Streetly (away) 26/3/11

HT 0-1 FT 2-1

So at the end of a rather lack lustre season it is appropriate, but disappointing, that we put in a modest performance, the high point being that it marked just our second away win of the season.

The early exchanges were typically tentative with both sides struggling on the sandy surface ~ seriously it looked like Southport beach, loads of sand and no water in sight. Neither side managed much in the way of control and it was all a bit turgid. However with four short corners to our credit we looked the better side, creating lots of chances (Joe Aston could have scored three or four and certainly ahould have got one when, with hours to spare and time to send a postcard of intent, he managed to hit the post). Unfortunately we allowed Streetly to counterattack and give Tommy no chance of stopping a well taken shot (28.47). Our fifth short followed with Matt Robinson earning few plaudits for only managing to inject it about 3 feet ~ that Streetly did the same in the second half is little consolation.

So at half time we were looking for more fire and determination and for the lads to get something for their efforts. Whilst the asked for increase in pace was slow to come we did up the ante and Simon Good rounded off a flowing move to score his first of the season (6.25). From then on we piled on the pressure and went further ahead, Matt Woods converting the rebound from a short (18.32). Streetly then upped their game and put us under some pressure, which our back four soaked up with ease.

The fact that we won was almost a disappointment when we looked at results elsewhere but enough of that. Looking at the season as a whole we won eight drew one and lost eleven which is OK for our first season at this level for some years. We have the basis of a decent squad and hopefully won't lose too many for next year ~ Jack and Stevie will be away at university and Joe Waldman may be off on military training, We'll miss them but have plenty to build on. Will has lead by example and been a steadying influence when things have been going badly and is to be congratulated on what we've acheived. Other than that I'll not single people out here, everyone has had both good and bad days and over the course of the season we have improved as a team. Looking to next year what we need to do is keep fit over the summer and get down to training ~ the 1st team needs a strong 2nds to feed players up and for when squad members are being rested and if the 2nds have trained with them it can only help. One thing is certain, if the 2nds have trained they'll play better and I'll have even more fun watching them than I have this year.

20th March Mens 2nd XI vs Boots (Home )
HT 2-2 FT 3-2

The talk before this game was all about the unusual changes in the league table and the inexplicable addition of 5 points to Coalville's tally. I'll not dwell on this as in the end it hardly mattered at all. Irrespective of any gamesmanshio elsewhere we got the points we needed and that's all that matters.

We started well pasing the ball around and making space for one another. Rob Procter, in one of his best performances to date, put us ahead on just under eight minutes (7.53) and for a while we looked the better side. Boots managed to pull back and take the lead (16.55 & 22.33) but we didn't give up and Rob brought us level on 24.25.

Half time ~ I gave the usual platitudes - play as you have and know you can and ensure that you play wide and make yourself available- whilst Will gave the essential b****king and more focussed hockey talk.

The second half saw a desire to play too much down the left but over time we looked the better team. Dick and Katie had a job on as umpires but kept things together really well and when Rob put us ahead with less than 3 to go (32.51) I started to smile. Special thanks to Dick for turning out for us week in week out ~ umpires are essential and don't get the thanks they deserve ~ so to Dick in particular but every other umpire we've had this season I'd like to say many thanks.

After the game the news that both Coalville and Streetly had lost was welcome ~ it means we stay up! I'll not mention which result caused the biggest cheer in the Butt Field bar.

Man of the match? Several spring to mind and I have voted but that was several units of alcohol ago... More importantly let me know who you think is the 2s player of the year and if you will be coming tthe club dinner...

Nottingham H.C 7-0 South Nottingham Hockey Club, Saturday 12 March, 2011.

If the term ‘Jekyll and Hyde’ was to be looked up in the Oxford dictionary, the 2011 edition would say this: ‘The South Nottingham 2 XI performance versus Nottingham Hockey club, 2011’. No team within the English hockey leagues are capable of such contrasting performances within one match. Over the season we have seen this on a weekly basis but never on such a scale with only the 10 minutes of half time to separate them.

The first half, even the first 10 minutes, saw Nottingham take control playing some ‘good’ hockey ( I use the term good loosely) and taking a four goal lead. Whilst they were very organised and pressured very high up the pitch, this did not make up for the fact South were playing as if all 11(with stevie powell making a rock ‘n’ roll style late entrance) members were intoxicated with substances not too foreign to Mr. Hyde. Very little communication was evident, the ball pace was slow at the best of times and as Will stated at half time it looked as though most of us had never picked up a hockey stick before. This continued for the first 35 minutes and saw Nottingham going in a half time with a well deserved 7-0 lead. The half time talk was simple – if we don’t up our game and play like we have in previous weeks then we may as well go home and save our pride (minus the many explicit words that were used by our clearly aggrieved captain).

So came the second half, and the arrival of a South team that we had become familiar with over the past weeks. Tom Spencer and Simon Good were utilising the wings well, whilst Jack Howard, Will Brydon and Matt Woods were more cohesive in the centre of midfield passing well instead of trying to run through the opposition. Joe Aston provided much movement up front for the midfield players to use and pass to. This, together with another impressive performance form our stand-in goal keeper Ryan Day who made a string of intelligent saves to keep the Nottingham attack at bay, kept the score at 7-0 until the final whistle. South may even consider themselves unlucky not to have scored as a fluent move down the left hand side saw Matt Woods put the ball in the back of the goal (if somewhat unorthodoxly), only to have it disallowed much to the bemusement of all on the pitch. It would be an inaccurate representation of the match to have a ‘man of the match’, but more a man of the half. This in my mind can only really be awarded to Ryan Day as he once again defied logic and at times physics to pull off some excellent saves - well played sir.

Next week sees Boots travel to the mighty fortress that is Bingham Leisure Centre and hopefully a South performance that will confirm our position in this league next season. One thing is certain- if we play as we did for the duration of the first half, the next two games will be a tense affair.

Men’s 2nd XI v Coalville (home) 05/03/11 ~ HT 2- 0, FT 5-1

This was destined to be a close game between two sides anchored at the bottom of the table. However, South’s 2nd XI have been playing with great spirit and belief over the last three to four weeks against teams at the top of the league and we were hoping that this would continue against more modest opposition. We went into the game without a regular keeper Ryan day volunteering to wear the pads seemed upbeat but we knew that our best bet was to ensure that he had as little to do as possible.

The early exchanges saw Coalville looking very lively and eager to get involved but a confident performance by our defence soaked up all the early pressure ~ Ryan managing one remarkable instinctive save which gave us heart and took some of the wind out of Coalville’s sails, as did their best chance of the half hitting the bar and rebounding to relative safety (well left Ryan). As the half progressed we looked increasingly dominant but, to be fair, we were rather scrappy and limited in scope and vision. The two goals cam in short succession ~ Matt Woods (32.49) and Joe Aston (33.59). Matt’s was a cracker after a good South build up but I’ve no idea about Joe’s as I was busy writing the details of the first goal just over a minute earlier and missed it completely.

At half time I encouraged the team to play with more enthusiasm and confidence and Will pointed out that we were a bit lucky to be two up at that stage. As ever we wanted an early goal to settle nerves and Will obliged just two minutes into the half. Following that was a period of South dominance when Coalville barely got a look in. A flowing movement saw the midfield flow past all of Coalvilee’s defence and with four red players in the D with just the keeper to beat the goal was inevitable ~ Rob Procter finishing off (12.00), denying Jack a place on the score sheet. Fortunately that was only briefly the case as Jack added one of his own (14.14). From that point on South continued to dominate but, as we found last season queuing up to score and neglecting the good work that got us into the lead in the first place didn’t work. Joe Aston’s game finished early when he pulled his hamstring and came off concerned about injuring himself for the Rushcliffe 10K the following day. This allowed Louis Temple, guesting from the 3s, and extended run out on the right wing.

Spectators were concerned that Ryan might keep a clean sheet and formed the view that to concede a goal would be better than have to hear him talk about it for the rest of the season. However, when the goal came (28.31) we were actually disappointed. The final fifteen minutes saw South back in the driving seat but goals escaped us.

There was a lot in this game to give us heart for next week away to Nottingham. Not least an assured performance in the centre of defence from Joe Waldman, another confident display by Stevie Powell and Will, Matt Woods and Jack meshing well in the centre of midfield. Man of the match? Ryan would be the obvious choice but for me it was Joe waldman. He put in his usual quiet but effective performance, tackling and distributing well and topped it off with a 40 yard drive through midfield deep into the Coalville half. We’ll be without Brian and Rob next week but hope to see the return of Smurf (playing 1s) and Simon Good injured. It’s another big game and one we need to win, if we play as we know we can there’s no reason why we shouldn’t do so.

Mens 2nd XI v Loughborough Town (away) 26/02/11 ~ HT 1 - 1, FT 2 - 4

Last week saw what I though was our best performance of the season to date and I was concerned that we might struggle to do anything like as well this week against the rampant league leaders. I need not have worried. We are starting to look like a team again, pity it's taken 16 games to get there!

Town started well and were very quick on the unfamiliar surface causing us some problems, play had been in both Ds very erarly on when after just under four minutes (3.47) Tommy was beaten by a slightly fortuitous shot. South kept there heads and Ryan Day, revelling in playing up front, levelled for us (13.42) with a neatly taken shot. South continued to pile on the pressure but Town always looked capable of doing something and so it turned out. We took our collective feet of the pedal and allowed them to score twice in a minutejust before the half time whistle (33.08 and 34.03). The second of these was a superbly taken shot which gave tommy no chance.

Half time saw us very upbeat ~ we knew we'd had chances and that more would come. Our target was to keep possession and get an early goal to put us back into the game. Sadly the early goal went to Town (4.18) who came out full of confidence and at the top of their game. An inspired substitution put Jack Howard on as striker and after a short but mazy run on the left he brought things a lttle closer (8.47). From that point on we played well passing quickly creating space and challenging for possiession. Stevie Powell had the best game I have seen him play and with the whole team upping the ante i was srtuggling with who to roll on and of ~ Simon Good helped by badly twisting his left leg and having to limp off. We continued to compete and yet again our play belied our lowly league position.

Man of the match? It's hard to choose with no one doing badly ~ Matt Woods has discovered the ability to track back and compete for every ball, Ryan Day looked threatening, Smurf stopped everything and made some aamzing interceptions and tackles, I could go on but for me today it was Stevie Powell who tackled well, passed intelligently and stood up well to pressure. Next week we'll be without Tommy but otherwise should have a very similar squad. Once again it's a big six-pointer, if we can beat Coalville then our place in East Midlands Prem for next year will look that much more secure. We'll need to keep our play at the level of the last two weeks and with a fair wind we'll do it.

Mens 2nd XI v Lichfield (home) 19/02/11 ~ HT 0 - 1, FT 1 - 1

This was a remarkable game in many ways, not least for the umpiring. Dick, as ever did a great job but it was the other umpire that causes the most interest. A severe shortage of players meant that the 3s took Simon Lloyd, who had been lined up to umpire both the ladies 2s and our game. Arriving early for our meet I noticed that the ladies were being umpired by Ryan day all on his own. Unable to cajole any of the lads into helping out I got a whistle and gave it my best shot. This was gentle practice for our own game when, it becoming obvious that the arrangements to find a replacement umpire, I once again took the whistle for the first half. We are grateful to Lichfield for being so understanding but then, even with a few personnel changes, they were probably expecting an easy ride, after all they trounced us 11-0 away. That wasn't how it turned out! Fielding something close to our core squad and ably captained by Tommy Hall we started well and competed for everything. Lichfield looked lively and were good to watch going forward but our back for Joe Waldman, Smurf, Brian Blackmore and Matt Robinson soaked up everything and our midfield and attack returned it with interest. Rob Procter had a creative game and posed problems throughout, with perhaps a little less support than he would have liked. When the goal came there was little Tommy could do about it.

At half-time there was little I could say, I had been umpiring after all, but I was relieved to pass the whistle on to Simon Lloyd who had raced back fro Loughborough to umpire the second half ~ it may be that having been drafted in to keep for the 3s he was eager to get away after they went down 11-1 (interestingly the one was scored by a Loughborough player who came on to help South out when one of our team went off injured). We started the second half well and scored after about 15 minutes (Rob Procter becoming the team's top scorer for the season in doing so). We continued to put pressure on the Lichfield goal but they returned it with interest and this made for a very tense last 15 when both sides had chances but failed to put anthing away. We were under extra presure when Tom Spencer was yellow carded for querying a decision after a robust challenge had him on the floor ~ the view from the side was that Dick may have given the decision the wrong way but he was quite right to card Tom ~ we need to be careful about this aspect of our game there is too much talking all round,

When the final whistle came we could justly count this as our best result of the season, a proper team performance played with spirit and confidence. Next week should see the return of Will Brydon, Jack Howard back to full fitness but it's probably too soon for Joe Aston to return to the fray. It'll be a hard test against top placed Loughborough Town lets hope for something close to the way we played this week

Men's 2nd XI v North Nottingham away 12/02/11 ~ HT 0 - 1 FT 0 - 4

I'm not sure what was oddest about this game ~ was it the fact that the side that had the bulk of possession and territory and had the most chances lost? Was it that North Notts defenders insisted on leaning all over Joe Aston in the second half despite the fact that he was unable to walk due to a hamstring injury? Was it Richard Batchelor diving the wrong way when a flick was taken against us only to have the ball bounce off his trailing leg, or perhaps his increasingly bizarre stories? On balance I'll go with the stories ~ if we are a few short next week it's probably because they'vegone on a trip to Elgin.

So what of the game? Down to 11 following Will's late withdrawal due to a burst water main and fielding Batch in goal, Joe Waldman in midfield and a joint captaincy shared by Simon Good and Smurf this was bound to be an interesting match. We were lively, quick and in control for much of the first half and when North scored from a short (23.03) it was very much against the run of play. Sadly shortly after that Joe Aston damanged a hamstring and despite Brian's ministrations at half-time was a passenger from that point onwards.

At half time we felt we still had a chance even with the changes needed to cover for Joe and to be frank it still felt that way well into the second half. We passed well moved into space and developed some good attacking moves. Unfortunately with Joe imobile in the D we too often went down blind alleys and got in each others way. Following possibly the worst penalty flick ever we felt things must turn our way soon, but it was not to be. North went further ahead after sixteen minutes and added two more (20.16 and 34.11).

Once again we played far better than the score suggests and several players had good games ~ Joe Waldman looked comfortable in midfield and Jack Howard was so dominant that North did their best to stop him by fair means or foul, bty the end he was another of the walking wounded, Stevie Powell looked comfortable in defence and up to the point his hamstring went Joe Aston linked well with Rob Procter. We have high flying Lichfield at home next week and will be hoping they turn up late and give us a head start ~ it would only be fair. One thing is certain we'll be up against it and need a big performance especially as Will is snowboarding in Austira and won't be back in time to play.

Men's 2nd XI v Kettering 22 January 2011 away HT 0 - 1 FT 1 - 2

Last week we showed some promise and a rousing team talk from Will, together with a well focussed warm up, meant that we started very positively. With only eleven players available we knew that we'd have to make the ball do the work even if we had much the younger set of legs. The plan was to move the ball around both in defence and attack, keep hold of possession, channel any Kettering attacks out wide and protect the centre of midfield and to a great extent that's what we did. The early exchanges saw us threaten Brendan Read in the Kettering goal on more than a few ocassions and I was tempted to get my pen out, hopefully to record a goal when we won an early short ~ I didn't need to bother but this time I'm not counting. As ever we were susceptible to the counterattack but fortunately Kettering lacked invention when they did break through, their best move being to lie on top of Freddie in the forlorn hope that his thrashing around on the floor like an angry toddler might lead to the ball crossing the line. On fifteen minutes a slick move took the ball quickly from our 25 into the Kettering D and Ryan Day ~ wearing a superfluous headband, presumably in the hope that it would make him play like Rob Procter ~ scored our first.

South heads were well up from that point onwards and we kept the lions share of possession and went close on several ocassions. Joe Aston linked well with Rob up front, Matt Woods had his liveliest game for some weeks and Tom Spencer looked comfortable and threatening out of position at right back. All in all lots of positives as we went into half time.

The second half started equally well, whilst Kettering raised their game and pressed us well cutting off the supply of ball to our right flank, we kept possession well and looked the better side. Eighteen minutes in a rare foray down the right, Tom and Ryan combining well, stretched the Kettering defence and allowed Ryan to score his and our second. From this point on Kettering raised their game counter-attacking well they closed the gap just three minutes later leading to a frantic last fifteen minutes during which time we defended well keeping out two shorts as well as threatening Kettering's goal regularly.

2-1 doesn't do justice to our dominance but in the circumstances ~ our first away points against fellow strugglers ~ we are more than happy to take the points. There was a lot to be taken forward from this game and if we can start well against Coventry City & University next week we could put them under pressure and give ourselves a chance of climbing into the top half of the table.

15th January Coventry & North Warwick (home) HT 1 - 3 FT 2- 4

Following our win against Nottingham last weekend we should have gone into this game with some confidence and an expectation of performing well against third placed C&NW. A few personnel and positional changes meant that a little settling in was inevitable but a whole half was perhaps too much. To be fair that is probably an extreme way of looking at it because, despite the score we did play OK in the first half. the difference between the teams coming down to eagerness and desire, we lacked it, they didn't.

C&NW went ahead, somewhat fortuitously, after just four and a half minutes, Kieran Martin having made two good saves was unable to stop the third strike. South heads didn't drop and just after Joe Aston had been substituted off we won a short corner. Will Brydon smashed the ball into the back boards with something like the confidence he used to show last season. Sadly we allowed C&NW another on 20 minutes ~ almost a carbon copy of their first - a good drive through midfield bringing two saves from Kieran who, at full length on the floor, was unable to stop the third. End to end play followed with C&NW arguably having the better of it, it was real shame that they were able to go into half time with their confidence boosted by a late goal (29.57).

Talk at half time was about pride and confidence ~ we are a much better side than we believe we are and there is no reason why we shouldn't cause every team in this league some problems. The aim of coming out strong could have suffered a blow when we went further behind after just three minutes but in fact it was the signal for us to raise our game and believe in ourselves. OK it proved easier to play well with the wind in our faces than on our backs but we did raise our game, pushing the ball around better and making space for one another ~ Tom Spencer in particular always being available and keen to support ~ his move to the right and Simon Good's to the left looking to be quite positive in lots of different ways. Just on 10 minutes we put pressure on the C&NW goal and scored in similar fashion to their earlier strikes, the keeper unable to do anything to stop Joe Aston's clinical finish ~ as he help a goal destines ball the last few inches over the line (hey they all count!). From that point on we played the better hockey and put more pressure on their goal than they did on ours. I got quite excited when we won another short ~ could we score from three in two games? No! Was it the injection, the stop or Joe simply unable to hit the ball? Whatever we lost the chance.

So we lost the first half but drew the second and came out of the game with some pride and confidence. Many thanks to Kieran for guesting in goal once again ~ if he was available every week we'd have some interesting discussions at Selection Meetings. I'll not single anyone out this week and simply say that in the second half we raised our game and showed we are no mugs. Next week it's the long trek to bottom placed Kettering but we need to remember that they caused us problems last year and will be keen to play well. We'll need to be at our best and let's hope we are.

Men's 2nd XI Match Reports for 8th & 9th January

It was a busy weekend and with matches against the two teams immediately below us in the league an opportunity to make some progress towards safety. Well we got part way there and continued to show that we are struggling to travel ~ even the 10 miles to Boots ground in Lady Bay!

8th January Boots (away) HT 1 - 2, FT 2 - 6

First game back after the Christmas break and with, on paper at least, a decent side we opened this game full of confidence having much the better of the early exchanges. Rob Procter, turning neatly in the D, gave us a well deserved lead just under eight minutes into the game. We continued to pressurise Boots team until about 20 minutes in when they wrested the initiative from us and scored two rather fortuitous goals on 24 and 27 minutes. Heads dropped a little and we went into half time looking half the side we had earlier on.

The start of the second half saw us slightly improved but it was Boots who went further ahead after 15 and 23 minutes (23.30 to be precise). Amazingly we then raised our game and a slick move from the restart saw Rob Procter score his second just 45 seconds after we shipped our fourth. Sadly that was the last real resistance we showed, Boots managing to score two more (30.52 and 32.22). Whilst they probably deserved the win the scoreline flattered them and I am looking forward to the return fixture in a few months time.

9th January Nottingham (home) HT 0 - 0 FT 3 - 0

As the song goes "what a difference a day makes" ~ with five of Saturday's team unavailable we made sure we had a good warm up and more detailed than usual team talk ~ the theory being that if everyone knew not only what their role was but also what everyone else was meant to be doing it should help, and it did!

The first half saw both sides with some chances and we were unlucky not to score when Chris Pink hit the bar and then the post and Ryan Day got his foot in the way when a shot looked likely to cross the line ~ suggestions that he be awarded Dick of the Day for that were refused as he won Dick of the Weekend for putting his shorts on back to front in advance of the Boots game. We gave away a couple of shorts as well as allowing Nottingham a few counterattacks, one of which saw Freddie Sail prevail in a one on one situation. He is looking increasingly confident and had his second great game of the weekend ~ don't attribute any of Boots goals to him.

At half time we asked for more of the same and for a continuation of the effort and enthusiasm we had seen so far and that is just what we got. Chris Pink, atoning for his metalwork hitting exploits, gave us the lead just three minutes into the half. For a little while we let Nottingham back into the game but soon realised that there was too long left for us to rest on our laurels. Maybe not the best goal of the game but my favourite came after nearly fourteen minutes (13.53) when Joe Aston converted with a flick from a short corner. Those who have been following our difficulties on the short will know why this came as such a welcome goal ~ I said Joe deserved a kiss from the whole team but sadly even his watching girlfriend refused. South heads were by now well and truly up and we put increasing pressure on the Nottingham goal, Rob Procter rounding off a personally successful weekend with our fourth (27.19) a neat deflection following a strong South attack. Nottingham responded well and, following some discussion between the umpires ~ who did a great job throughout ~ won a flick. I confess that I bent down to pick something up so missed what I am told was a phenomenal save by Freddie, we'll miss him next week when he is away in Belfast.

So who would I have as my man of the match? Joe Waldman disappointed at not being allowed a run in midfield excelled in the middle of defence, his control was superb and he managed to be all over the pitch ~ probably because for once he hadn't tired himself out in the gym before this match! Will looked very comfortable alongside him and Freddie played a blinder. But for me there were two outstanding performances from two players up from the 3s ~ Ryan Day appearing for the second time this weekend did all that was asked of him and looked good on the ball as well as passing better than I have seen before. However, my vote goes to Stevie Powell, playing out of position at right back we were initially concerned that he might struggle but once the early exchanges were out of the way and he adapted to the pace of the game and where he needed to be he played a blinder, one episode was particularly pleasing to watch ~ having missed a tackle Stevie then tracked back and shadowed the Nottingham attacker so effectively that he was pushed out of the D to the side of the pitch and was forced to pass back only for Joe Waldman to intercept and set up a South attack. Well done Stevie!

Next week is a big game against third placed Coventry & North Warwick at home. If we can play something like we did today it should be a good match ~ I reckon we'll give them more of a game than we did back in early October and let's hope we can take three points from them.

Men's 2nd XI vs. Streetly - Home 11/12/10 HT 1-1 FT 3-1

The lower tiers of competitive sport are caricatured as being watched by one man and a dog ~ well this game was watched by upwards of five men, one lady and three dogs and I like to think that they enjoyed themselves. To other local games lacking their fair share of dogs I apologise.

After what seemed like forever off, because of the weather, both sides came into this game with little match practice and more relief to be playing than anticipation of great performances. The early exchanges saw South move the ball well, stretch Streetly's defence and create some opportunities. However, as seems to be our style this year, we decided to see what they could do and, having given them more space and time than they should have been allowed, we conceded a short corner and went one behind just six minute into the game. I was concerned at that stage that heads might drop and we'd fall further behind but that didn't happen and gradually we fought our way back into the game gaining more and more possession and regularly threatening the Streetly goal. On 20 minutes we had a particularly strong period when we won a series of short corners ~ sadly our problem with converting them into goals continued. Joe Aston, Chris Pink and just about anyone else I could mention on the edge of the D failing to convert some good chances. By the end of the game our failing run on shorts crept up to 26 (approximately ~ I have given upon counting), it's perhaps a relief to hear that Streetly have only converted one all season ~ so my concern when they won a couple was possibly misplaced.

On 29 minutes Tom Spencer rounded off a period of South dominance with a well taken strike to put us on equal terms. The side did its best to go ahead before the break but just couldn't put the ball away ~ all credit to the Streetly keeper who soaked up some spirited efforts from a stengthening South side.

At half time the message was to play for one another, make space, pressurise their ball and lots of other things I didn't understand ~ it does help having someone with more of a hockey brain around sometimes ~ thanks Adam. I may not have undestood but the team did and the second half was a much better performance, Streetly had some of the ball but few opportunities (Freddie Sail was able to finish writing his Christmas cards he was so untroubled in goal) and they were clearly rattled by Rob Procter's well taken goal just three minutes into the half. It took until 21 minutes for us to make certain; Craig Young back from injury, getting a well deserved goal to put the icing on an impressive performance in midfield.

So, bar the two postponed games, we are half way through the season and now is a good time to take stock. We've not managed a stable side as a result of injury, unavailablity, first team calls and numerous other reasons. Performances have been patchy high spots against Loughborough Town and North Notts being in sharp contrast with Lichfield and Coalville. The fact is that when we put things together and play for one another we are capable of challenging and maybe beating the best in this League. It's unlikely we'll be promoted but a good run in the new year will see us staying up and there is no reason why this should not happen. We have a young side, of today's squad of 13 just 4 were over 21, so they should develop and improve. What is clear is that we need to train and practice together. I know it's not easy for everyone but if we can do it we'll reap the benefits ~ I'm convinced that is the main difference between us and the other sides in the League. So let's get a few training sessions in and have a lively start to the second half of the season ~ teams who have beaten us so far will be anticipating an easy ride, we can and should do our best to prove them wrong.

Men's 2nd XI vs. Coalville - Away 20/11/10 HT 1-1 FT 1-2

So the 2nd team continues on its topsy-turvy season. Last week saw a well contested 2-1 defeat by the league leaders whilst this week a less well contested game brought defeat by the same margin by the league's bottom side. OK we had a skeleton squad, just 11 available whereas last week, rather unexpectedly, we had 14 to play with. However, the core of the team remained pretty much the same and I for one am perplexed as to why we simply didn't turn up this week. One observer commented that we were up against it as 90% of the decisions were going against us and I could only agree ~ before any complaints come in I must point out that he was a Coalville supporter and one of the Coalville players, who was at that time warming the bench, concurred.

We started well, going ahead (6.15) after Jack Howard took a hit to himself, dribbled into the D and drilled the ball past the flatfooted Coalville keeper. Sadly that was probably our last shot on target for the rest of the match. Our goal rather than stir us to greater efforts heralded a tendency to being over cautious and an enthusiasm for giving possession away. Coalville had much the best of the rest of the half and, whilst it can be argued we made them look good, no one could argue they deserved their equaliser (23.07) ~ OK Smurf and Matt Robinson might but from the side it looked well deserved to me.

At half time we still felt we could win the game and came out full of fire only to give the ball away just outside the Coalville D and go behind to a well worked and fluid counter-attack (2.19). The rest of the match was, to be frank, disappointing. South never looked like scoring even from the two short corners we won ~ it's now about 22 on the trot without a goal and this is clearly an area we must improve upon. Too often we tried to do too much went for the speculative long ball, though to be fair some of Brian Blackmore's were crackers (not all I might add) and gave away possession too easily. No part of the team, defence, midfield or attack, seemed to be working with the rest. To give Joe Aston his due he wasn't being particularly well served and after so long out with injury he is finding it a slow process to recover his touch, there's plenty to come from Joe and we're looking forward to seeing more of him as the season progresses. It was perhaps unfortunate that the fog that had veiled the pitch lifted as the match progressed meaning I had a great view of it.

Next week we are at home to fellow strugglers Nottingham and the local element will add some extra spark to the encounter, I hope. We may be without Will Brydon, who is looking to be in Helsinki at the Carl Froch fight, so will need someone to step up to the mark and take midfield and indeed the whole team by the scruff of the neck, give it a good shake and, to mix metaphors even further, squeeze a decent performance out of them. One week we will put it together I keep hoping it will be next week!

Men's 2nd XI vs. Loughborough Town - Home 13/11/10 HT 0-1 FT 1-2

Harold Wilson in 1964 said that "a week is a long time in politics" ~ well in 2010, some 15 years after the former PM's death, the same can be said of hockey. Last week the 2nds tried hard but never really got into gear and only rarely looked like a team whereas this week with five changes in the side and two late additions to the squad they gave the league leaders a fright and sent them away with a lot to think about. From the start we moved the ball around, made space and wanted to play. Sam Taylor, sadly making what looks like his last game for South, settled well and brought the best out of Will Brydon and Matt Woods playing alongside him. With midfield performing well and the returning Brian Blackmore giving much needed stability in defence South had the best of the early exchanges and regularly put the Loughborough keeper under pressure. Loughborough counterattacked well, quickly and in numbers and tested South's defence several times. Kieran Martin in just his second game in a few seasons (approximately) showed that were he a regular feature in matches that all the keepers in the club would need to be on their metal. Having made several brilliant saves he was unable to stop an excellent Loughborough strike off the reverse stick and we went one down. This after just under 28 minutes ~ last week we were already seven down at the same point, this being a measure of our improvement. Steady South pressure all the way up to half time failed to break Loughborough's resolve and the score didn't alter at half time.

South came out in the second half meaning business and just one minute in (1.30 to be precise) saw Matt Woods' dream opportunity ~ a reverse stick shot from just inside the D ~ one all. From then on it was pretty much all South, we had all the possession and most of the territory but Loughborough showed why they are top of the table and we are languishing at the bottom by keeping us out and not giving many real chances. We managed three short corners but failed to score from any ~ I think that makes 17 without conversion, but more of that later. Loughborough continued to counter-attack and in the twenty first minute won a flick which Kieran was unable to keep out 1-2.

South's heads did not drop and an inspired substitution brought Batty on for AJ, available only at the last minute, just as the whistle went for one of our shorts. Batty injected, took the return pass from Will and, with an open goal, managed to shoot about 20 yards wide. We'll have to wait for one of his extravagant goal celebrations for at least another week sadly the Crouch like robot remains under wraps. South continued to press forward and had several opportunities but dogged Loughborough defence meant they managed a somewhat fortuitous three points.

After last week this counts as a major recovery and should put us in good heart for next week. We'll be without Rob Procter, who had a mature and impressive game in attack, the delights of a concert at the Manchester Apollo scoring higher than a trip to Coalville and AJ who is back to work for a few weeks and in any case probably needs to get fitter and get some match practice before playing at this level again.

It's bottom placed Coalville away next week and as they have lost every game so far we'll be looking for three points away for home for the first time this season. Finally a quick thank you to Dick and Brian for umpiring the game so well. Without them and others prepared to umpire we'd not have any games, their efforts are much appreciated.

Men's 2nd XI v Lichfield away 06/11/10 HT 0-8 FT 0-11

As a former rugby player, hockey has always been a spectator sport for me, sadly today that was the case for much of the South 2nd XI. Congratulating ourselves on setting off early and having a good hour to warm up in true AJ style, our first shock came in a phone call to advise us that Lichfield were geared up for a 2.00 rather than 3.30 start. Eventually starting just after 2.30 we had no time to warm up properly and get a feel for the pitch, a few changes from last week's line-up also didn't help ~ but there's only so long you can use that sort of excuse. That said we started well and had the best of the play for the whole of the first minute. Lichfield got their first short corner and went ahead (1.34) the goal going in after hitting the post on the third attempt. We then closed them down for a full four minutes another goal going in from another short on five minutes. Further goals followed regularly (6.22, 15.05, 20.01, 21.13, 23.22 and 34.05). Lichfield were simply well organised, had played together a lot, and were fitter quicker and more eager than us. Half time, being cut short to allow the subsequent games to get away more or less on time, was a surprisingly quiet affair. The intention was that whilst the match may have been lost we'd win the second half.

Tom Crossland, down from the 1s to get some pitch time, moved into the centre of defence and that, with Will bolstering the midfield, helped settle the side a little. sadly we shipped another goal from a short on six minutes (6.35) and were unable to keep it down to single figures, the tenth going in after 17 minutes. That said it was only in the 33rd minute that we went further behind and the second half saw us using the ball a bit better and keeping more shape. Unlike similar results a few years ago heads didn't go down and we kept trying right to the end.

Were there any positives to take from the game? Well oddly it would be hard to point to anyone having a stinker though most players made some dreadful errors at one time or another, mainly being too ambitious in terms of passing or taking the ball too far. These are all things that we can work on and which weren't problems last week. The fact is that we came across a better drilled side who wanted to win and were prepared to stick to the basics to do so. Tom Crossland had a strong game in midfield and defence and showed why the 1s want to keep an eye on him and Tom Spencer managed most of the game before coming off with dodgy ankles.

So next week's home clash with table topping Loughborough Town is one we need to go into with determination and enthusiasm let's hope they suffer a backlash and we can take our second league leaders scalp.

Men's 2nd XI v North Nottingham home 30/10/10 HT 0-1 FT 2 - 1

High flying unbeaten North Notts came to Bingham full of confidence and went away with lots to think about. Based on their results over previous weeks we were expecting a tense midfield battle but in practice North were well organised in defence and for large parts of the game South's midfield was in the ascendancy ~ we just couldn't break the deadlock. South's ten short corners to North's one showed that the balance of play was very much in our favour, both in terms of possession and territory ~ if only we could have converted just one of these shorts into a goal those of us watching from the side would have been much more comfortable. The North goalkeeper played a blinder and Tommy Hall could only admire what he was doing from the other end, though to be fair when called upon Tommy was equal to everything North threw his way (which wasn't much), until 34 minutes and three seconds into the half (detailed stats specially for Lynne and Katie) when a wicked spinning ball defeated Smurf and allowed a North player enough space to slip a fortuitous ball past Tommy.

The second half saw South make a tentative start with little of the endeavour and determination of the first half. As time passed we gradually worked our way back into the game and an inspired substitution brought Grozzy into the action and our first goal followed (14.14) ~ Grozzy showing that he is approaching fitness and that he's ready to play at this level again, parental duties allowing. North were clearly stunned by the goal and less than a minute and a half later (15.40) Paul Innocent scored an extravagant goal to put us ahead, his dummied shot causing at least two defenders and the keeper to be off balance when the second real shot went screaming into the top right hand corner (can balls scream?). South then played some beautiful hockey passing well, moving into space and stretching the North players all over the pitch, only to decide to let North have more possession and chances in the tense last five minutes.

The 2-1 win marked our best team performance of the season. Joe Waldman deserves special mention ~ with a plethora of defensive talent we opted to play Joe in midfield ~ left wing, right wing & central midfield before allowing him a few minutes in home territory at right back, he worked hard throughout in every position and proved once again that training does pay off. Others I'll put in the spotlight are Matt Robinson and Tom Spencer. Matt, possibly responding to the competition in defence, put in one of his best displays for some time. Whilst Tom managed to injure himself in both half, dead-leg in the first, ankle in the second and yet play on with purpose and enthusiasm and then stay on to umpire the 5ths friendly, I've not heard yet what he managed to injure when blowing the whistle. Next week it's away to fourth placed Litchfield, who had this week off, and we'll be looking for a good performance there.

Men's 2nd XI v Kettering home 09/10/10 HT 1- 0 FT 4 - 1

Last season Kettering were the only side to beat us and so we were looking for a good win this week. The win came but it wasn't all good. Their captain, keeper Brendan Read, commented after the game that both sides were performing better last season and I doubt that anyone would disagree with him. However, it is also true that there was only ever going to be one team that would go away with the points this week.

A lively start quickly settled down into a somewhat turgid midfield battle with Kettering having lots of possession but South looking the more inventive and dangerous. Gaz Bland opened his account on five minutes with a well taken goal on the counter-attack and off his reverse stick. He was the most potent weapon we had and caused Kettering problems throughout the match. Midway through the first half Kettering were reduced to 10 men when one of their defenders took a ball to the face ~ a deflection from his own keeper's kick. As often happens that was the cue for Kettering to raise their game and play as if they had 12 not 10 on the pitch.

At half time we knew that a decent effort would see the match won in the first quarter of the second half and the side came out determined to do well. Gaz added to his tally (3.33) with a goal out of nothing. Long periods of South dominance followed and Gaz added two more after 15 and 25 minutes, the last goal following an unselfish pass from Ryan Day who could have tried to go himself. There is some debate as to whether this makes up for his fluffed pass straight to the defender when a rampant South had a four to one advantage, as we won we'll give him the benefit of the doubt. The last ten minutes saw South revert to type and rather than press home their advantage they allowed Kettering to pull one back on 32 minutes. A short corner on the final whistle saw the whole side , bar Tommy, in the Kettering 25 praying that Batty, fresh back from the Antipodes, would not make a complete hash of his injection. He didn't but nor did we score.

Results elsewhere in the League suggest that it is going to be very tight this season. We'll be looking for improvements next week in advance of an early season break but will have to do without the dubious benefit of my help from the side and Will's more positive influence on the pitch. Tommy will be in charge and I guess I'll hear him shouting encouragement from a fjord somewhere in Norway.

Men's 2nd XI v Coventry and North Warwick away 02/10/10 HT 4- 0 FT 7 -2

We knew that matches in East Midlands Premier League would bring us up against tougher opposition than we faced last year and so it proved. Cov/N Warwick finished mid table last year and, according to their entourage, with a stronger squad available this year are looking for promotion this time round. I can't give precise timings, as I lost my notes (much as we all lost our way getting to the ground), but following a careful and measured start they went ahead with a well taken goal after four minutes. South heads dropped a little and as the half progressed we let them in for another three. They were pressing us in midfield and were clearly more anxious to have the ball and do something with it than we were. That said we competed and gave a decent account of ourselves and gradually pulled ourselves back into it. We had hiopes of going in just 3 down but conceded a short corner on the whistle and sloppy defensive work lead to a fourth.

The half time talk clearly worked as just two minutes into the second half we won a short corner and Tom spencer slotted the ball away on the return pass from Will Brydon. Heads up we gained more and more posession only to all another counter-attack and a fifth goal. Ryan Day, looking more comfortable than in the first half, made the most of slipshod defence and the keepers widely spaced legs to pull another back. But that was the last real chance we had and we allowed two more to hit the back boards.

So 7-2 but lots of positives to point to: we didn't give up and competed throughout, we saw another assured performance from Tom Crossland, who is well established in the middle of defence and, like last year, the side is already playing for one another and, with a few weeks more together, and dare I say maybe even a few training sessions, we'll look more like a team. I could go on but won't save to say that we're in for an interesting season and can and will play better as the weeks pass.

Men's 2nd XI v North Notts away 24/09/10 HT 0 - 0 FT 1 -1

After a few weeks when we've struggled to put out anything like a "proper" 2nd XI it was good this week to get back to something more like normal service. With Will crying off late on due to work problems we drafted in Paul Innocent, who had just played for the 1sts, as had Matt Woods though he was always expecting to turn out for us. Several other players were out of position amongst whom Tom Spencer deserves special mention for his sterling performance in defence. This match was expected to be a tough test as North Notts are in our league this season coming into it from the other direction to us ~ having been relegated where we were promoted ~ and so it proved. They looked well drilled and fit but as we had eight players under 21 fitness was not a problem and we matched them throughout, well most of us did.

In the first half we had plenty of chances and saw Jack Howard and Tom Crossland at the top of their games with Matt Woods also showing no ill effects from the earlier match, arguably putting in one of his best performances for some time, grafting for possession, tackling back and passing well.. Stevie Powell debuting on the left wing settled well and James Markwick, also debuting in midfield, showed some decent touches and promise. Andy AJ Jenkins, rotating on and off with Paul Innocent, showed once more that were he fit and in practice he could be awsome (his word not mine) but even after a summer tasting pies (or is that wedding cake?) he is an asset to the side, it's a shame he'll be unavailable for the next few weeks.

At half time all I had to say was keep it up and the goals would come. The start to the second half was electric and just under three minutes in Jack Howard sored a cracker on his reverse stick. A lengthy period of South dominance followed with North Notts struggling to contain our young and eager team. Unfortunately with midfield pushing forward we were always at risk of counter-attacks and when one came on 17 minutes Freddie Sail had little chance to stop the equaliser ~ the only flaw he had in an otherwise impressive performance. From that point on South continued to pile on the pressure and had lots of opportunities but just couldn't put them away ~ maybe if the matches had not been running behind time and the second half had been able to go to full term rather than be truncated to allow people the chance of a shower things might have been different but we'll never know. One thing is certain ~ if we can perform like this in future weeks with absent friends returning and a smattering of promising new talent coming forward we should have a decent season in the East Midlkands Premier league. I'm certainly looking forward to it..

Men's 2nd XI v Sikh Union (Nottingham) away 27/03/10 HT 3 - 1 FT 5 - 2

After a longer than anticipated wait the 2nds were finally confirmed as champions following a convincing display against bottom placed Sikh Union (Nottingham). We were looking for a good display to end the season and that is exactly what we got. SUN's two goals were very much against the run of play and came when we had perhaps taken our collective foot off the pedal. The first goal (7.44) from a short corner saw Batty celebrating in truly robotic Peter Crouch style. Just short of six minutes later saw perhaps the most extravagant and flamboyant goal of the season. A speculative arial from defence was beautifully collected by Gaz Bland, who put in a shorter inch perfect arial from the edge of the D which Grozzy again collected perfectly and hammered the ball over the line. On fifteen minutes Gaz put his name on the scoresheet and effectively the game was over. SUN managed to pull one back on 20 minutes but were always playing catch-up and never looked likely to come any closer. The second half started well with Matt Woods having a few sighters on his reverse stick before finally putting one away (10.50). Gaz added to his tally on twenty two minutes but the hoped for avalanche of goals never came. SUN pulled one back on 31 minutes, which meant that the top keeper award for this season will be very close, as I understand it Tommy, Pete and Freddie are all on the same figure. It'll be worth going to the Annual Dinner just to find out how that one is to be resolved. On 33 minutes your correspondent made a fleeting appearance on the astro-turf proving to himself that hockey is easier for the sidelines ~ with no idea about where to stand, or hold a stick it was perhaps fortunate that the ball came no where near me.So a great season overall, just the one loss to second placed Kettering, for which we can gain revenge next year ( they drew with Sikh Union Coventry in their last match and so finished five points adrift of us). Congratulations to Will, AJ and the whole team for their efforts and for making my Saturday afternoons so enjoyable. Roll on next season.
And thinks too from the Webmaster to Simon for writing such entertaining reports

2nd XI v Sikh Union Coventry home 13/3/10 HT 2 - 1 FT 3 - 2

We have said before that there are no easy games in this league and this game proved it. With SUC starting the match with just nine players we had every chance of creating space and threatening their goal. It was three minutes before they touched the ball as we passed around and sought to drawn them forward. Unfortunately they played a very disciplined game and refused to be drawn. This combined with a distinct lack of drive and urgency meant that we made them look better than they were. Sloppy passing also meant that SUC had rather more of the possession than they really should have had. On nine minutes AJ, in his first match for some weeks, broke the deadlock with a well taken goal from open play. South then settled a little and started to threaten on a more regular basis, though still with some overly casual play allowing SUC to counterattack and draw good saves from Tommy. Gaz Bland put us further ahead on 20 minutes and we briefly upped the pace only to allow SUC to win a short corner from which they scored (31 minutes). The last few minutes of the half were to say the least tense.

At half time we identified that lack of urgency was our big failing and resolved to push forward more in the second half. SUC, bolstered by their late arrivals and up to eleven players, had other ideas and started the half rather more positively than their somewhat defensive first half display. After sixteen minutes they drew level from another well worked short corner. Whilst they rarely looked like scoring again and slipped back into defensive mode South too struggled to put any positive moves together. Gradually we worked our way back into it with Joe Waldman, showing much better form than in the first half, linking well with Simon Good down the right. Tom Spencer similarly had some good opportunities on the left flank, it's a pity he'll miss next week as he's away on school hockey tour, he's had a great season and will be missed. With just over three minutes left (31.54) AJ again picked up a loose ball and put us back in the lead. Heads were raised and for the last few minutes we worked hard to get a fourth.

The final whistle came as a relief. Winning ugly isn't great and this is the first game this season that I have not enjoyed, but a win is a win. What can we take forward to the next game? Tom Crossland's mature performance in the centre of defence was a definite plus point, he was my man-of-the-match; the fact that the team knows it played badly and is determined not to let this happen again and a belief that our midfield won't be absent again are three thoughts.

We play second placed Kettering at home next week and can expect a competitive game. A return to the flowing style of play that has characterised our season so far would be ideal. A good win will make us champions ~ alongside the 1st and 3rd team. I can hardly wait.

With a week off and the 1sts playing North Notts at home several of the team took the opportunity of shooting some arrows in advance of watching the 1sts play. Suggestions that we could shoot at North Notts players if they were doing well were unfounded as North Notts never looked like they would worry a vibrant South team, added to which it is illegal to hunt with a bow and arrow in this country. Those who took part in the archery were treated to lost arrow and balloon bursting competitions. Will won the lost arrow tournament, looking relaxed with the bow in is hand, though Tommy and Matt Woods ran him close. Tommy won the balloon bursting and was nearly as pleased by that as he was later to go further ahead in the goalkeeping contest. Leon showed dedication by shooting, watching the 1sts and then playing for the 4ths, whilst Joe Waldman showed he's good at standing still as well as running round all afternoon. The Agincourt Volley at the end of the archery session was a little disappointing ~ all six archers, myself included, managing to miss the one remaining balloon three times each. That said a good time was had by all and it was good to see the 1sts do so well, they clearly learned a few things when they watched us a few weeks ago.

Next week we return to action against Sikh Union Coventry and need four points to be sure of the title. However, we aren't going for that we are looking for all nine from our remaining three games and the rare experience of a season undefeated.

2nd XI week off 6/3/10

2nd XI v Mansfield at home 27/2/10

2nd XI v Newark Away 20/02/10 HT 2 - 0 FT 3 - 0

So the hard work over sixteen games has paid off and we are now definitely promoted. This is just reward for what has been a pretty consistent team both in terms of performance and selection. None of which means it hasn't been hard, ugly or disappointing at times. This game was no different, though having consistently done well maybe we are at times a bit over critical, but let's leave it a few weeks and, surely, be champions before we start to congratulate ourselves too much.

The first half was one of our better performances we passed well and ran for each other, though at times the resident nutter practicing Tai Chi up an down the far touchline was arguably more interesting to watch. Will scored our first (13.33) following a neat passing move that took the ball quickly from defence into the Newark D, until eventually he opted to walk the ball over the line rather than try anything spectacular. Concerted pressure brought a short corner on 29 minutes and the practice we put in before the match paid dividends and Will again converted. Having scored two it was notable that he then opted for jug-avoidance, twice hitting the post.

The half time team talk as ever called for more of the same, Tommy reminding us that we have a habit of taking things for granted and going off the boil. This game was no exception, as ever we decided that it was only fair to let Newark have some of the ball and territorial advantage, if only to allow Tommy a few chances to show his value to the team ~ you may hear him mention that we have conceded fewer League goals than any other South team this season (or as he would put it ~ he's let fewest in). Ten minutes into the half we decided to play again and took control, Newark never looking like scoring. The goal of the game (21.39) came from Simon Good who finished off yet another good passing movement with a well taken strike.

Man of the match? No one stood out, as ever the team and how it plays together is key. This means that with the odd person slotting in from week to week they are quickly involved and play their part. This week it was good to see Rob Earlham back after a few weeks out and AJ turn out for a game of hockey rather than continue his spa-weekend (the question is what did Laura get out of this deal?). Tom Crossland in his third game for the team is looking comfortable and linking well with Tom Spencer. If all the rumours of new players coming to the club are true there will be some interesting selection issues next year.

Onto the great Batty goal debate ~ did Batty score at Daventry or was it Tom Spencer? Well Tom told me it was Batty's goal so I'll do my best to update the top goals scorers list in the near future. Apologies to Batty but he really ought to treat us to a proper goal celebration.
Finally we need a big game next week to take us into the mid-season break and opportunity to watch the 1sts trounce North Notts. Let's hope that's what we get.

2nd XI vs. Nuneaton Home 13/02/10 HT 0 - 0 FT 2 - 0

First things first I understand that Batty is aggrieved that I credited his goal against Daventry last week to Tom Spencer and he has asked me to put things right without any mickey taking. Well Tom didn't tell me he hadn't scored and there was no exaggerated goal celebration from Batty so I'm not sure which way to go on this one. I await developments on this front ~ does anyone out there have a view?

So onto Nuneaton ~ being at the top of the league brings its blessings and difficulties. One of the latter is that, especially in the second half of the season, teams come to play you with a distinct game plan. Nuneaton certainly did that their aim was to play a half court press which essentially means, packing the defence sticking in your own half and looking for a lucky break. They said afterwards that their aim was to have just two attacks, score from both and hope for a draw. Fortunately they failed.

Faced with such negative tactics and with a few changes in the side, welcome to Ryan Day and Paul Innocent both appearing for the first time this year, the latter after being out for three weeks with a broken finger, we took time to properly settle and whilst the first half saw us with 90% of the possession and a similar share of territorial advantage we failed to score. It was a frustrating afternoon for all involved.
At half time we once again agreed to stick to basics, pass the ball around, use space and to spread things wide. to some extent we managed this but persisted in looking for the "Hollywood" pass and in playing down the middle. With Nuneaton packing nine men and the goalkeeper into their half this was never a strategy that would crack them early and we became increasingly frustrated. Eighteen minutes into the second half Simon Goods shot from the edge of the D took a deflection off a Nuneaton foot and, with the umpires playing advantage, ballooned gently over the line. This heralded some of our best play as Nuneaton started to look worried their approach was going to fail but it took until 33 minutes for the industrious Paul Innocent to add a second a well taken strike from a preposterous angle out left.

Overall a workmanlike performance against difficult tactics. The youngsters in the side will have learned a lot from this and the fact that we continue to play as a team not individuals remain the major pluses.

So Played 15, won 13, drawn 2 ~ not only can we not be relegated we need just a point to be sure of promotion. It remains the case that there are no easy fixtures in this league and ours is the scalp that all the other teams are looking for, which means we need to concentrate on doing everything right away to Newark next week ~ simple passing hockey with fewer appeals to the umpire is our starting point. Better conversion rates from short corners would be a real bonus ~ we've had nineteen over the last two games and just Batty/Tom's goal last week to show for the effort put in. The fact that we have no long journeys for the rest of the season and should see some absent friends return over the next few games can only be in our favour

Mens 2nd XI v Barton Home HT 0 - 0 FT 4 - 0

YEEEES! This is the performance that we have been waiting for all season. We used space, made the ball do the work, gave each other options and never sat back and rested on our laurels. It was good to see some 1st team players down to give their support and to be frank I have been smiling ever since the final whistle, and probably for some time before that. The only complaining voice was from Tommy Hall who pointed out that Hockey isn't a spectator sport. That said even he managed to get involved though it was hard to see whether he was goalkeeping or break dancing at one time.

The first half was full of endeavour and effort and we had lots of chances, Gaz Bland in particular being unlikely on several occasions ~ of which more later. So at half time all that had to be said was ~ keep it up and the goals are bound to come.

In the second half we had a slow start but never really looked like falling behind. Chris Read back for his first match in 10 months showed that concentrating on cricket had done nothing to blunt his pace and anticipation on the hockey field. He was at the centre of most of our best attacks and got his reward on 19.51 with a well taken goal from open play. That goal effectively broke Barton's resistance, up until then they had shown some resolve and no small amount of skill but once behind they knew they were not going to get anything out of this fixture. Just before 23 minutes Gaz Bland finished a flowing movement down the right with a strong shot that, having taken a deflection, looked likely to cross the line, until Tom Spencer made sure and added his name not Gaz's to the scoresheet.

South continued to press forward with Neil Batty risking a nose bleed by getting into areas of the pitch he should never be in, fortunately Joe Waldman continues to show his value to the team by linking well with midfield and attack and getting back to defend when other with slightly older legs can't quite make it. On 30.23 Ready added another and made things certain when he added his third less than two minutes later.

All round a superb performance which should give us heart for the long trip to third placed Daventry next week. As I said last week what would be good for both the 2nd XI and the club would be for as many of them as possible to get to training. Finally man of the match is without a doubt Chris Read, even without the three goals and welcome Jug (thanks to Gaz for his from last week). But mention must be made of Tom Spencer, Jack Howard and Matt Woods who played their hearts out and showed that we have great mix of experience and youth.

2nd XI v Leicester Westleigh 23/01/10 away HT 2:1 won FT 3:6

v Leicester University 24/01/10 home HT 1:0 won FT 3:0

Like most other teams we had a delayed return following the winter break and in both matches looked a little rusty and off the pace. Fortunately we managed to win both matches though, as is our wont, we made both Leicester teams look better then they really were.

Neither game was without controversy. Just four minutes into the Westleigh game their chairman, also chairman of the league, interrupted play because he was concerned they might be fielding a banned player. In the end he played on and it made no difference as we won quite comfortably anyway. The University game included a disputed goal, AJ's second, which took a deflection off a Uni stick but was definitely struck from within the D.

So how did we play? Against LW we started well spreading the ball around, Gaz Bland scoring the opener after six minutes following a speculative aerial from Brian Blackmore. We then lost a bit of shape in midfield and let LW into the game, that said they had few ideas or variation and only challenged us on the break. They drew level on 33 minutes, but just one minute later (1.03 to be precise) Grozzy marked his debut for the team with a well taken shot.

Into the second half we maintained shape in midfield well, Matt Woods effectively snuffing out LW's main playmaker for most of the half, and it was no surprise when Simon Good , having missed a couple of opportunities in the first half, added his name to the score sheet after just six minutes. LW managed to score from one of their counter attacks on 15 minutes but this simply ushered in a period of South dominance which brought goals from AJ "the woodwork hunter" (22 minutes) and another from Gaz (29). LW again briefly raised their game as we sat back a bit and scored from a short corner on 33 minutes. However, not disheartened we continued to press forward Gaz getting his hat-trick on exactly 35 minutes. Sadly with important games to come the next day we'll have to wait for his promised jug.

With pretty much the same team against Leicester University, Ian Lane making his debut at left back, and news that they had lost 7-1 to Kettering the previous day we went into the match with some confidence. Things started well with good passing moves and people getting into good positions, however LU were looking lively and it was hard to believe they were the same team that lost so heavily the previous day. On five and a half minutes LU's bare-armed keeper flattened AJ who had the goal at his mercy. Unphased by this he coolly converted the flick to put us ahead. From that point on we made hard work of things. Once again we lost shape in midfield and gave the LU players too much room, typical students they were quick and eager and punished us with some quick passing moves deep into our half. On a couple of occasions Tommy kept us in the game with saves and by challenging the attackers as only he can.

At half time Will was quite angry about the way we were playing and demanded more effort and application. We were looking for an early goal but none came. However our defence was looking solid, Ian slotted in well and Brian and Matt made some excellent tackles. It's sterling work in defence that is keeping us at the top of the league ~ when the midfield and attack go off the pace it's good to know that we can rely on our back four, in its various combinations to pull us out of the mire. Whilst not wishing to single anyone out from what was a team/unit performance, the outstanding players were Tommy and Joe Waldman. Tommy continued to show good form throughout the second half and gave plenty of encouragement to those in the outfield. Joe demonstrated that he was the fittest player on the pitch, particular showing that he could be all over the pitch and link well with the midfield, he and Tommy were my men of the match, a sentiment echoed by Will after the game. After twenty minutes Jack Howard helped settled us down a little scoring following a good move down the right of the pitch. LU were shocked by that and fought back strongly to win a flick following Brian's deft footwork on the line. Tommy was keen to keep a clean sheet and despatched what, to be fair, was not the best flick ever with no trouble at all. That took the wind out of LU's sails and a tiring AJ added the final goal on 29 minutes ~ 3-0.

So we maintain our unbeaten run and remain at least eight points clear. It's Barton at home next week and, despite their league place, they will be a challenge ~ there are no easy games in this division. We'll be looking for more discipline in midfield and to let the ball do the work.

2nd XI v Sikh Union Nottingham 12/12/09 home HT 2 - 1 FT 6 - 1

It's a cliche to refer to a game of two halves but this was certainly one of those. Having started the first half in impressive form, passing the ball well, running into space and giving each other options it was good to see us go ahead in the twelfth minute. Pinky arguably stealing the goal from Gaz Bland with a last inch touch over the line. Unfortunately, in typical style, we then went off the boil and let SUN into the match. As ever we decided that we would dribble past people and go for the ambitious pass. Tommy coped with the inevitable counterattacks and short conrners with his usual aplomb but we still leaked a goal on 29 minutes. Fortunately that was a wake up call and having won a short corner Will, once again, scored to give us a deserved lead at the break.

At half time we knew what we needed to do and it was more or less the same message as we have been giving throughout the season ~ pass, use space, take your time, trust and play for one another.

The second half, whilst not perfect, saw us doing all those things and SUN were unable to cope with the variety and options we created. Gaz, settling into the team well, scored open play goals in the ninth, thirteenth, and twenty eighth minutes ~ and even bought a jug on return to Caythorpe. In between Batty scored the goal of the game on twenty two minutes, having injected the short and receiving the return pass he took three attempt to score before lobbing the ball gently over the defenders. He gets the award for the "Most Camp Goal Celebration of the season" so far.

So that made it six - one and, had we played to full potential throughout it could have been more. We go into the winter break having won nine, drawn one and lost none with high hopes of similar results in the New Year. We are 8 points clear at the top of the league!

Thanks to Zoe Simpson and Katie Keward-Bright for umpiring for us at the last minute. Zoe had little experience of umpiring before and did really well, bringing the best out of Katie at the same time.

So what are the highlights of the first half of the season? The mix of experience and youth means that the club should be served well in the future. Tom Spencer in particular has settled into 2nd Team hockey really well. Our defence remains the meanest in the league and, even when they fail, Tommy continues to show that he remains reliable and alert. It is perhaps too early to be thinking about candidates for player of the season but I've certainly a couple of people in mind ~ what stands out though is that every match has been a team performance (sometimes less than we'd hope for) and when we play well it is because of that and not any one individual. I for one am looking forward to the second half of the season.

Match report 2nd XI v Kettering ~ away 5/12/09 HT 0-2 FT 1-2

As expected this was a tough match ~ Kettering were in second place just three points behind us so both teams had a lot to play for. We started very positively spreading the ball wide and making Kettering run after shadows. On ten minutes we won what proved to be our only short corner of the game, Will Brydon slotting the ball home neatly for us to take a well deserved lead. We continued to put pressure on Kettering but in doing so were vulnerable to counterattacks. With several people playing out of position, in the team for the first time this season, or hung over and with a couple of ill advised substitutions (sorry!) we let them back into the game. Tommy, once again showing what a class keeper he is, kept us in the game on more than one occasion. Having conceded six short corners we started to play more like the team that started the game and the last fifteen minutes of the first half saw us put increasing pressure on the Kettering defence. Gaz Bland, promoted to us from the first team for the first time this season, caused lots of problems in attack and was well supported by Matt Woods, Tom Spencer and Simon Good. Just before half time (33 minutes) Gaz put us two nil ahead, a real disappointment for the home side and their supporters.

At half time Will encouraged the team to play the ball wide and across the park and to stretch Kettering as far as possible. We were looking for at least a further three goals at that time. Unfortunately things didn't go that way. Whilst we started the half well we lost our way a little in mid-field and gave away lots of possession, the fact that they won a further five short corners in this half being evidence of that. On 12 minutes they converted one and we were under the cosh. We put ourselves under intense pressure when both Ali Hartley and Gaz were sin-binned for ten minutes, Ali first and Gaz a few minutes later. Down to nine men we showed our strength, playing as a team cutting off any chances Kettering may have had and forcing them to run after the ball. At times it looked like they were the team two men down. During this spell Rob Peck, up from the 3rds for the first time this season provided the maturity and sense that has sometimes been lacking ~ well done Rob. Once back up to full strength we settled back into the pattern Will had asked for at half time and went close on a couple of occasions, though, to be fair, so did they.

At the final whistle we knew we could have done better and there was no sense of triumph. Kettering complimented us afterwards saying we were by far the strongest team they had played this season.

So next week we are home to bottom placed Sikh Union Nottingham and have a good chance of finishing the year unbeaten ~ but we need to work hard and maintain shape if we are ever going to win by the sort of margins the first team is managing. We are capable of it, let's hope it comes soon.

2nd XI v Sikh Union Coventry ~ Away 28/11/09 HT 0 - 1 FT 3 - 3

21.11.09 Away v Mansfield HT 2-0 FT 3-0

What a difference a week makes. Last week's 3-0 win was disappointing but this week's, despite being against one of the league's lowest placed sides, was a far more positive affair. Had we taken all our chances and the Mansfield keeper not been on song we might well have been close to double figures. So what was different? Essentially we did the basics much better, we used space well, let the ball do the work and didn't try to take on too much as individuals.

Our first goal (16 mins) came after a period of sustained pressure, Will Brydon converting neatly from a short corner. On twenty six minutes Simon Good scored an excellent goal following a flowing move involving quick crisp passing and good use of space. The only question is why did he only get this goal? From the side it looked like he had a hole in his stick, he gets the vote as the second most unlucky player. The most unlucky ~ Tom Spencer who refused to be bullied and was yellow carded just before half time for his troubles. That said he had another mature performance, probably his best for the team so far.

The second half brought further periods of sustained pressure with Mansfield unable to mount anything other than the odd counter-attack, which were quickly snuffed out by the most parsimonious defence in the league. In fact Tommy Hall was left wondering whether he should have stayed at the family wedding rather than turn out to watch the match ~ he had just one shot to save throughout. In the thirtieth minute we were awarded a penalty flick ~ Will, having missed one a few weeks ago, handed the responsibility to AJ who slotted it home neatly in the bottom right-hand corner ~ 3 - 0.

It's hard to choose a man of the match but Matt Woods stood out for his improved distribution and energy, it's great to see the midfield tracking back and helping out in defence and this is becoming a bigger and bigger part of Matt's contribution to the team.

So we have a week off next week to recharge the batteries and prepare for tough away fixtures at Sikh Union (Coventry) and Kettering. Anything other than wins in those games will be unacceptable for this team ~ that was clear from discussions after the game ~ and that attitude can only stand them in good stead.

Match Report home v Newark HT 1:0 FT 3:0

They say that the best teams succeed by winning even when they play badly. On this basis then we must be a good team. Only our second clean sheet of the season yet this was by far the worst performance the team has put together to date. Newark with just one win out of four were on paper a relatively easy proposition but it is folly to take any team lightly and the worry in the early exchanges was that this was exactly what we had done. There was nothing to show that this is a fairly stable side with only a couple of new faces appearing this week.

It took ten minutes for the side to settle down to any rhythm and it was only in the 22 minute that AJ was able to convert a neat cross from Tom Spencer. Whilst we were in control for the rest of the half we didn't look like scoring. Fortunately neither did Newark.

After the half time break there were signs of some improvement with the team settling into its planned pattern, however this was not to last and again we started to look scrappy and tried to take on too much as individuals. Tom Spencer, looking increasingly comfortable at this level slotted our second in the eleventh minute. After the match he took the water bottles home saying, "That'll help me get picked for next week!" I'm beginning to think that some of the more established players might be advised to offer to do the same in coming weeks.

On twenty nine minutes Simon Good put us three up and we played out the last few minutes with some relief. Overall a deserved win but only just. We'll be looking for a more convincing performance next week against struggling Mansfield. One day we'll put a complete performance together and win by a country mile but on the evidence of this match it may be some time off yet

Match Report away v Nuneaton HT 3 -0 FT 6-1

The 2nd X1 juggernaut ploughs on, this latest victory making it five wins out of five. Without AJ's influence and with no substitutes available we were looking for a big effort from the team and that was what we got.

The early exchanges were typically uncertain but there were hints that Nuneaton might struggle against a well organised South side and so it proved. After seven minutes a well taken goal from Simon Good settled the team down and soon we were constantly threatening the Nuneaton keeper. However, it took until the twenty second minute for Matt Woods to put us further ahead with a trademark reverse stick shot. He tells us that he's scored more on the open side but we aren't sure about that. With Nuneaton looking increasingly lost for ideas and out of touch with one another it was frustrating that we had to wait until just before half time for Chris Pink to put us further ahead. His goal being just reward for some hard work providing chances for himself and others. The link on the righthand side between Joe Waldman, Simon Good and Pinky was particularly promising in this, our most dominant, period of play.

At half time Will was looking for another three but from the side it looked like another seven would be closer to the mark. Sadly it was not to be. Once again we spent the first twenty minutes of the second half letting Nuneaton back into the game. Fortunately this shocked them so much that they did not take advantage and it is testament to the strength of our back four, Joe, Rob Earlham, Matt Robinson and Neil Batty (when he managed to wander back), and indeed the ever voluable Tommy Hall, that they were unable to score. Will Brydon put things back on track ~ 4 - 0. However, as in previous weeks we let them back into the game and in the twenty fourth minute they pulled one back much to Tommy's disgust. This lead to a revival ~ instead of everyone trying to do everything themselves we started looking like a team again. Crisp passing moves, people moving into space and playing for one another, no cluttering the D, in fact all the things we spoke about doing or avoiding at half time started to fall into place. The Loughborough town team arriving for the next game remarked to me that we were clearly the better side, well drilled and good to watch. Towards the end of the first half it was the combination on the right that looked good but towards the end of the second-half our left flank shone. Tom Spencer linked well with Will and Ali Hartley and converted neatly in the twenty seventh minute. Five minutes later he sored the goal of the match after a short but mazy run drawing the keeper and scoring with a calm and confidence that bodes well for the future.

Match Report home v Daventry 24.10.09 won 4 - 2

Following last week's strong performance against Barton we went into this match as league leaders and full of confidence. Like us Daventry were unbeaten so had to be taken seriously and the opening few minutes showed we were in a game and suggested it was likely to be close. However, as the first half progressed it became increasingly clear that we were the stronger side and that they were bereft of ideas in attack. That said it took quite some time for the first goal, the best of the match, a well taken strike by Jack Howard. The Daventry keeper was on fire and saved them numerous times, by half time we should have been three or four up at least. The second half was a different matter. In the first ten minutes we took control with Tom Spencer looking increasingly comfortable in midfield in just his second match at this level. The South midfield began to control the game. Unfortunately with so much possession and so long spent in attack we left ourselves vulnerable to counter-attacks and Daventry managed to draw level. This lead to a period when we went off the boil and let them back into the game ~ falling 2 -1 behind with fifteen minutes to go. Gradually we started to put on pressure and occasional player Jonty Barnicott converted to draw us level ~ aided somewhat by AJ showing great skill in slowly getting up of the keeper, whom he had pressed to the floor, thereby allowing us the chance to score. "It was the only way we were going to beat him" AJ opined after the match. We continued to apply pressure winning a penalty flick, which Will didn't quite manage to put away. Eventually AJ and Matt Woods converted chances to bring a 4 - 2 win that should really have been a lot easier and more convincing.

After the Barton match we said we would play a lot worse and win ~ it's a pity we proved this so soon. That said there are a lot of positives to be taken forward to next week. Matt Woods is showing lots of skill and is allying this to more physicality. Tom Spencer has fitted in well and there is a good spirit in the team and the consistency in availability means there is a better understanding across the side than at any time over the last three seasons. This was evidenced when heads didn't drop after we fell behind. If asked for a man of the match it would have to be Daventry's keeper and had we converted even half the chances we created we would have been in double figures.So, much to play for next week at Nuneaton. Let's hope for a more consistent performance with the team playing at its best over 70 not 50 minutes and some crisper finishing to increase our lead at the top of the table.

Match Report away v Barton 17.10.09 won 1:2

After two relatively straightforward wins the match against Barton was expected to be the team's first big test of the season ~ they were one of only two teams to beat us twice last season ~ and so it proved. AJ organised an early meet so that we were there in good time to allow Tommy to top up on his nicotine levels and plenty of time to allow a short warm-up, after all there is no point peaking too soon. With Eileen on hand to provide technical input we were looking for a good performance. The opening exchanges suggested that we had the legs and they had the organisation but as the match progressed we settled down and started to look more and more like a team. At half time the score remained nil-nil and the spectators, predictably, felt that the first goal would be crucial. Fortunately it came South's way, Pinky neatly slotting the ball away twenty minutes into the second half after a period of South pressure. Barton were clearly unhappy with this and raised their game to win a questionable short corner ~ how many times are they allowed to kick the ball without being penalised? So back to one all and everything to play for. Again South put on the pressure becoming increasingly dominant in midfield and on 28 minutes a well taken strike from Will Bryden made it 2-1. The last few minutes were tense . On the final whistle it was clear the result meant a lot to both teams. So three wins out of three should take us towards the top of the table. The team is settling well with a good mix of experience and youth. Next week's match with Kettering is likely to be another tense affair, we only took one point from them last season, but if we can keep things going there is every reason to be quietly confident.

South Nottingham Hockey Club