Mens 5thXI 2-0 Melton 4thXI

We are going up, say, we are going up (again!)

Goals: Gareth Voss, Jon Keep

The Mens  5th’S  secured promotion for the second year running after a well deserved victory against Melton  4s last Saturday. The victorious team will play in the East Midlands Premier Division of the Midlands  Central League next season. With 4 games of the season remaining the 5th team only need one point to be league champions, a feat they hope to achieve in their next match against second in the table Beeston.

With a number of Saints payers unavailable this week, the 5s started  against Melton with a somewhat unfamiliar line up. Steve Morris decided a James Blunt concert was a better alternative to hockey, and Joe Cliffe  was penalised for not being able to play away, with a game for the 4th team. Several players had  been promoted from the  6’s but they all did themselves credit, and contributed to a good team performance.  Saints quickly set into a good  tempo and were passing the ball around well. Gareth Voss was particularly impressive in central midfield. Jeremy Wan in central defence and Ryan James in midfield were  putting in good performances as Saints took the game to the opposition early on.  Melton  were also putting together some slick passing routines with two young midfielders particularly impressive. Callum Scott Collins was having a commanding game at the back showing good dribbling skills to get his side out of trouble on a number of occasions. (except for the two times he dribbled directly off the end of the pitch)

The first goal came from an incisive through pass from captain David Henry which split two defenders and allowed Ryan James to surge forward towards goal. His cross led to some panic defending by Melton and the ball was finally tapped in at the far post by Gareth Voss.    Saints were playing well and a second goal arrived from a short corner. Rob Cary pushed the ball goalward  and Jon Keep was there to sweep the ball into the net to make it 2-0.   Melton  were mainly relying on long balls into the Saints D and from one of these efforts a shot struck Callum’s foot and a penalty  stroke was awarded. The flick was saved however, by new boy Kurt Jenkins with a fine effort.  Half time.

In the second half Saint’s lack of substitutes started to show as the tempo of their play dropped and the 5s sat back in defence a bit more.  George Roberts had a few good surging runs forward and showed aggression and tenacity. Rob Tee stuck to his task up front well and was unlucky on a number of  occasions not to score.  One notable event of the second half was Gareth Voss taking one for the team with a ball into the abdomen.  As the game came to a close the Saints were fairly comfortable and  kept Melton at bay for a well deserved victory. 

Bring on Beeston!

Man of the match: Gareth Voss
DOTD:  Callum Scott Collins

 

Squad:Kurt Jenkins (GK), Grant Stevens, Jeremy Wan, Callum Scott-Collins, George Roberts, David Henry (c), Gareth Voss, Ryan James, Jon Keep, Rob Cary, Rob Tee.

 

Ladies 1st XI 5-2 Boots

Goal scorers: Lisa Coe 2, Amie Hone 2, Sarah Cosford 1

Saints got off to a good start gaining an early short corner which was put away by Amie Hone. Saints continued to dominate with some great defensive work by player of the match Esther Keijbets controlling the game at the back, although a quick break through the middle from Boots led to a scrappy goal. Saints stepped up their game again with some good team work leading to Lisa Coe putting another one in the net so saints were back on top. Just minutes before the half time whistle saints earned a short corner, which after many attempts was scored by Sarah Cosford on the line. 

Boots took their opportunity as saints started the second half slowly resulting in a goal bringing them back into the game.  After maintaining possession Amie Hone eventually scored another goal for saints to increase their lead. With the final whistle looming Lisa Coe slotted away a fifth to take Saints to a 5-2 win and a much deserved three points.

 Player of Match: Esther Keijbets

DOTD: Abi Fitzgerald

 

Ladies 2nd XI 1 – 0 Derby Asterdale 1st XI

 

The ladies 2s went into this game against second in the league desperately in need of some points to ensure Midland League survival. Not surprisingly they started the game nervously against a team that had beaten them 5-1 previously.

Good communication & solid tackling from Ness Kingston at centre back & Claire Dale at left back during the first ten minutes allowed Saints to settle.

The two sides were evenly matched for the remainder of the half. Youngsters Steph Brennan & Ferne Sanders gave a mature & disciplined performance in the midfield alongside veteran Nicky Milford.

0-0 at half time & the game was there for the taking. Courtney Thorpe & Laura Wychgel showed youthful tenacity alongside the ever influential KJ Wilkins to cause Derby some concern.

Meanwhile at the other end of the pitch always reliable keeper Claire Leech & man of the match Clare Noble kept Saints in the game. Right back Noble making intelligent forward runs as well as many determined tackles.

With ten minutes to go Saints seemed to have the upper hand. Fantastic interplay between Molly Ogden, Sally Adlen & Caz Whitehouse kept the pressure on the Derby defence. Three minutes from time Saints were awarded a penalty corner. Wilkins & Kingston combined resulting in Wilkins converting top right.

Milfordmade it a tense final two minutes by conceding a penalty corner & receiving a yellow card. Fortunately Saints were able to defend the corner. The ball was then shipped to Whitehouse who took it to the Derby 25 where she teased the defence for the remaining 90 seconds.

MOTM: Clare Noble

DOTD: Nicky Milford (It was unanimous!!)

 

Ladies 3rd XI 2-2 Towcester 2nd XI

 

The Ladies 3s turned up to Towcester in high spirits following an excllent game (and unlucky defeat) the previous week. Facing top of the table Towcester they hoped to steal some much needed points in the battle to stay in Division 1. With a couple of our players being called up by the twos, we had a bare eleven so we knew we needed to capitalise on our team play to ensure that the ball did all the work.

 

The first half saw the team come out strong with some fantastic play. Hannah, Jane Odgen and Alice Kilner in defence kept Towcester out of the 'D' and the midfield skillfully played the ball around the opposition hitting CJ, Emma and Laura up front. Towcester didn't know what had hit them and resorted to trying to do all the work individually, but Emily, Annie Holt and Natalia continually broke down the play and forced them into making numerous errors. Saints continued to put pressure on Towcester and were unlucky not to score. Towcester managed to go one up from a short corner where they dribbled the ball into the goal.

 

One nil down at half time and Saints were ready for a fight, but Towcester quickly secured a second. Two nil down the girls stepped up . A quick ball from the centre to Nic who played it into the 'D' for CJ to deflect saw Saints come back to 2-1. The game was back on. Towcester pushed the defence but Emma made some fantastic saves keeping the score to 2-1. We had nothing to lose and grew ever confident. The youngsters (being the only ones with any energy left) worked as a unit forcing their way into the 'D' resulting in Emma scoring and drawing the team level 2-2 against a virtually undefeated Towcester. Alice made a final lone run taking on several defenders and finding herself in the 'D' but was unlucky not to score. An excellent performance form the whole team and in particular man of the match Emma Brennan on her debut three's performance.

 

MOTM Emma Brennan

DOTD Natalia (for not knowing how to put petrol in her van) 

 

Mens 1stXI 1-3 Telford 1stXI (Saturday)

Goals: Ben Scott 

Saints travelled to Telford hoping to end their losing streak and regain confidence lost over the last few weeks. The away side started very brightly carving an opportunity in the first two minutes only to put the ball wide. Continued Saints pressure finally paid off when Saints went ahead with their second short corner. Lloyd Atkinson and Gareth Parker combined well to win a foul in the Telford ‘D’ and Ben Scott drag flicked home to give the Saints a lead. Saints should have increased their lead several times in the first half but were wasteful in front of goal. Telford drew level just before the break when a controversial short corner was converted y the home side. Saints again started very brightly in the second half but could not turn the pressure into goals with short corners and opportunities in the opposition ‘D’ being wasted. Telford scored twice against the run of play and from then on never looked like being pressured as Saints took their foot off the gas.

Squad: Paul Madeley (GK), Guy Roberts, Ben Stephenson, Ian Cooper, Ross Wickens, Ben Scott (c), Joe Kopka, Joe Colantonio, Christian Howard, Gareth Parker, Grant Carlin, Dave Saunders, Lloyd Atkinson, Stuart Clark

 

Mens 1stXI 1-5 North Staffs 1stXI (Sunday)

 Goals: Gareth Parker

Saints made a long away trip for the second time in a weekend to Newcastle Under Lyme to play fellow strugglers North Staffs. A win was needed for Saints who are currently on a five match losing streak. Unlike the previous day Saints started very slowly and were two nil down in the first fifteen minutes. Saints again were wasteful with short corners and possession in the Staffs half of the pitch and failed to score before half time. Staffs extended their lead shortly after the break with another short corner – Saints still not learning to protect their feet. Saints pulled a goal back when Gareth Parker scrambled home on the goal line after good work by Clark and Scott on the left. Although Saints spent the rest of the game camped in the Staffs half they were hit twice on the break and their failure to capitalise on possession saw the score end 5-1. A thrashing. Saints desperately need points against West Bridgford next week in order to pull themselves clear of a relegation dogfight.

Squad: Paul Madeley (GK), Gavin Markham, Guy Roberts, Matt Gausden, Ian Cooper, Ross Wickens, Ben Scott (c), Joe Kopka, Joe Colantonio, Christian Howard, Gareth Parker, Grant Carlin, Dave Saunders, Athiq Thamby, Stuart Clark.

 

 

Men’s 2nd XI 6-5 West Bridgford 2nd XI

Goals: Liam Cassidy, Dan Rose (2), Andy Smith, Gavin Markham, James Knibb

It’s a good job Alan Hansen wasn’t watching, as he’d have had a field day with the defending in this thoroughly entertaining goal fest of a match! With West Bridgford 3 points ahead of Saints before the game started, this really was another “6 pointer” as Northampton looked to pull away from the relegation zone.

 Unsurprisingly the game started off in cagey fashion as both teams tried to suss each other out. However midway through the first half and the flood gates opened!! Liam Cassidy finished off a well worked team move to give the home team the lead. However moments later and some school boy defending led to West Bridgford equalising. Back came Saints to take the lead as a Jamie Webb cross found Dan Rose to sweep home a reverse stick shot. With a feeling of déjà vu, Northampton again conceded a sloppy goal to see the game back at 2-2. However with 10 minutes to go before half-time Webb and Rose combined again to give Saints the lead, with Rose tapping in from close range. Unfortunately this seemed like a good time for the home team to switch off as they conceded 2 goals before the end of the half to finish 4-3 down at half-time.

With Saints in a state of disbelief at half-time, coach Colyn Biddle rallied his troops to come back strong, and to “mark your bl**dy men” when defending!

True to their coaches word they did come back strongly, as some early pressure allowed Andy Smith to tap in at the back post after picking up a James Knibb cross-shot. Surely this was the chance for Saints to now go and kill the game off? Apparently not! Some rather lacklustre defending allowed Bridgford a chance to re-take the lead (5-4). With 15 minutes to go Northampton knew there was still time. And sure enough after failing to convert a number of penalty corners, one finally went in! Martyn Cory dragged the ball to the far post for Gavin Markham to tap in. Like buses, another penalty corner and goal came! With Cory off the pitch the ever enthusiastic James Knibb stepped up. With calls to drag it to the bottom corner as per the previous goal, he proceeded to place the ball into the top right corner, just grazing the inside of the cross-bar. This led to his appalling aeroplane footballer style celebration! Back in front at 6-5, all they had to do was kill off the game for the last 5 minutes. To a large extent they did this fairly comfortably, however with only seconds left a Bridgford forward found some space in the D to launch a superb shot to the bottom corner which Sam Biddle somehow got foot to! This kodak moment lead to his Man of the Match award.

 

MOTM: Sam Biddle – some vital saves in the match, particularly right at the end. James Knibb came a close second.

DOTD: This was shared between Martyn Cory (0% conversion rate for penalty corners, and moaner of the day!), and Ben Northedge for the usual stick tackles, being a student, etc.

 

Squad: Sam Biddle (GK), Ben Northedge, Simon Stringer, James Miller, Jon Noble, Matt Gausden (c), Athiq Thamby, Jamie Webb, Liam Cassidy, Andy Smith, Martyn Cory, James Knibb, Dan Rose, Gavin Markham.

 

Mens 3rd XI 2-1 Nottingham University 3rd XI (Sunday)
 
Goals; Danny Whitfield, Matt Swansborough
 
Saints travelled to Beeston to take on Nottingham University with both teams embroiled in a battle against relegation, and both teams in need of the 3 points.
 
The early exchanges were typically cagey with both sides eager to stamp there authority on the game, although there were no clear cut chances in the first ten minutes. It was the home side who broke the deadlock with a goal from open play after ten minutes. Saints didn’t let their heads drop however and responded strongly producing much of the better hockey for the remainder of the half. After twenty minutes Saints drew level via a penalty corner. Danny Whitfield’s original drag flick was saved by the keeper, the rebound however fell straight back to Whitfield, who dispatched the ball into the bottom left corner of the goal. With the scores level, Saints continued to press forward looking to take the lead, however the scores remained deadlock as the half time whistle blew.
 
Saints half time team talk centred on more of the same. Keeping calm and patient, and keeping the hockey simple.
 
The second half started much the same as the first with both sides having a good share of possession. Nottingham University had a number of opportunities from penalty corners; however some sharp work from the defence, and some outstanding saves from Sam Biddle kept the home side at bay.
 
After fifteen minutes of the second half Saints took the lead. Michael Williams Combined with Lewis Ward to find Matt Swansborough free at the far post who swept the ball home clinically. 2-1 to the visitors.
 
The remainder of the second half remained even, with Nigel Down, James Miller and Lewis Ward standing out for the Saints from a defensive point of view. Continued attacking threat came from Sean Henry and Michael Williams.
 
The match finished 2-1 to the Saints, with a hard fought 3 points in the bag. Next week Saints entertain Loughborough Students at Moulton hoping to gather more points in the fight against relegation.

MOTM: Lewis Ward; had a really strong game both defensively and offensively.

DOTD: Captain Miller, firstly for a lesson in 'do what I say not what I do', plus getting a yellow card pretty much cemented a DOTD award.

 

Mens 4th XI 3-1 Belper 5th XI

 

Goals:  Antony Condon, Aiden Walker, Andy Dale

 

"You don't win anything with kids 2"

 

Saints 4th team welcomed National league club Belper at Moulton with a good soaking from the February rain  likely outcome. Fortunately the rain held off except for a light sprinkling to keep everyone cool. Saints were ravaged by the half term break and multiple skiing holidays and so with 8 players missing gave debuts to teenagers Anthony Condon, Adam Shepherd and Will Gamble and welcomed back Joe Cliffe after a 5 year sabatical in the 5ths and a call up for Ross  (flat track bully) Mclean. After a series of introductions the game got underway.

 

Saints started well with quality possession and the ever young Chris Godman teasing his opponent who was at least 15 years his senior (Chris is 35!). Anthony Condon quickly showed his pace and received some quality through balls to attack the Belper defence who had lost their sweeper to injury in the first 5 minutes. Without their defensive stalwart the visitors passed repeatedly to Saints which put them under increased pressure which eventually led to a goal by Condon swooping in at the back post to deflect in at the back post. Will Gamble came on to turn the screw and skipped past the Belper defence on many occaisions. The energy and commitment of the youngsters continued to cause Belper problems and both Gamble and Condon harried the defence dispossessing them many times. Half time 1-0

 

The second half saw early pressure pay off and Condon again appeared beghind the Belper defence and sqaured a pass to Aidan Walker who swept home. The Saints defence was solid with Adam Shephard and Joe Cliffe calm and collected against every attack.

 

Many opporunites were misssed especially by Ross Mclean whose roaving runs had caused Belper problems all day. A third goal came from a thunderous short corner strike from skipper Dale make the  game safe, He then obliged the opposition by mis controlling an aerial pass to set up a consolation goal for Belper to finish 3-1.

 

Mixed 2nd XI 5-3 Northgate

Goals: James Knibb 4, Aimie Hone 1

 

Mixed 1st XI 1-2 Welford

Goals: Casey Humphries