WH&E L1 2 : 1 Eastcote L2
The day started quite badly…
- The leisure centre didn’t remember there was a match ?
- One of our umpires got the pushback time wrong ?♀️
- Eastcote scored in the 1st minute of the game ?
Luckily, things were only on the up from there…
The majority of the first half (apart from the first minute) was really strong for us. We were communicating effectively, passing accurately and making lots of strong 1-2s up the width of the pitch around their players to create many chances.
The first 2 of those chances were balls going just wide of the goal, so we needed to get our players ready on the posts!
We started the 2nd half still 1-0 down but so pumped from how well we were playing that we were determined to make this week our first win.
We continued to make chances as we had great runs from our defensive line into the opposition’s half to really put the pressure on. Our first goal eventually came when Bethany made a run up the right and crossed it into the D for Beth to get a touch on it, only to hit the post (followed by an exasperated shriek!) but then Beth managed to get the rebound under control and into the back of the net!!! 1-1!!!
We continued to put the pressure on as our new diamond formation helped us to distribute the ball better and cover more ground in the midfield. After a great run from Mia up the left, the ball was passed to Bethany who managed to hit towards the P spot before falling over (?). Helen then took control to pop it into the back of the net and make it 2-1!!!!!!
We were winning but we wanted to make it harder for ourselves, so we decided to have 5 short corners against us as instead of playing it cool for the last 10 minutes. It was nerve-wracking to watch from the halfway line as we waited to see our defence step up, but the result was amazing. We had Nic in goal performing great controlled saves, Gemma clear a ball off the line, and Sam making some smashing runs to prevent Eastcote taking advantage.
THEN THE WHISTLE FINALLY GOES AND WE HAVE WON A MATCH!!!! Our reaction seems over the top as we jump up and down and shout with joy…but when you realise we haven’t won a match all (calendar) year it will make sense why we’re so ecstatic.
We worked really hard and it paid off.
No specific player of the match this week as every individual played so so well and really stepped up.
WH&E M1 0 : 1 Shefford and Sandy M2
1:15 at Southbury road saw the restart of hockey for WH&E men’s 1st team against Shefford & Sandy 2’s. Hill started the first half strongly pushing hard from the back passing the ball round well and making the young opposition chase the game.
It was an evenly matched first half with both sides having their fair share of attempts at goal, with the odd Winchmore cross going un-challenged across the opposition goal, only the final touch was missing for the home side. Dominic Smith had the pick of the chances unleashing a fierce shot which narrowly missed high.
S&S had their own chances, counter attacking well but were denied by some sharp keeping but unfortunately the away side found the net with a well worked short corner, passing the ball sharply in the D. In past seasons this might have dropped the heads of the home team, however the fight continued with a couple of short corners before half time, but sadly the final spark of brilliance to breach the goal line is all that eluded the home team.
The second half saw S&S step up the pace but a strong defensive line, backed up by the midfield tracking back, frustrated the away team. The Winchmore midfield of Stuart Carrick, Adam Machray, Smith & Tim Legierse, backed up by Michael Dutnall, continuously troubled the opposition, giving Colin and the forwards the supply they needed – amassing 7 short corners but denied by a well organised S&S defence and goal keeper.
The last 10 minutes saw a barrage from the oppo, but the Winchmore defence held strong. Lopez saving a hard shot from a short corner & Jim continuing to deny the opposition forwards with sharp footwork and quick hands.
One final charge from the hill who won a couple of short corners in a row towards the end of the second half. That narrow 1 goal lead eating away at the Shefford and Sandy players, the opposition keeper denied all attempts and the final whistle went. A relieved opposition would be a fair assessment, and the only thing missing from the home side was that final touch across the line. A draw would have been a much fairer result but, all in all a performance worthy of note from the home side against players who are generally considered more able than the S&S 2nd team when the opportunity is presented.
An admirable performance in any case!
WH&E M2 0 : 7 Blueharts Colts
A battling performance in the first half had the men’s 2s only 1-0 down on their return to action up at Hitchin. However, the better organisation and team play of the young Blueharts side saw them run away with it in the second half with six more goals.
WH&E L2 0 : 2 West Hampstead L5
The ladies 2s suffered a narrow defeat in a tight game with West Hampstead. Some encouraging play, but Winchmore were unable to find a goal to put the opposition under pressure. A rusty start to the return of hockey, and no further games now till after Christmas for the ladies 2s.