Men’s 5th XI 2-2 Beeston 6th XI

Goals: Ali Rose (2), Rob Tee

5s fight back against Beeston to  become league champions

The 5th Team drew against Beeston 6th team on Saturday and  gained the vital point needed to become league champions with 3 games left of the seasons. The opposition were the only team capable of denying the 5th’s the league title. But they had to win this game.  Saints were expecting a hard game against a Beeston outfit who had beaten them convincingly  earlier in the season. Saints were fielding a changed side once again with a number of players  not available.

The game started with both teams looking to pass the ball around and develop openings down the flanks. Beeston  fielded some talented youngsters and were  playing some neat hockey.   The first half proved to be an entertaining affair but did not produce any goals. Steve Morris, Jeremy Wan, Adam Shepherd and Callum Scott Collins were holding things together well in defence. Keeper,Kurt Jenkins was dealing  well with the Beeston goal threats.  Ally Rose was making some good runs in midfield showing considerable skill.

 

The second half started badly for the Saints as Beeston scored within a minute of the restart.  This spurred Saints into action and Ally Rose equalised with a well struck volley into the roof of the net after good work from Rob Cary.  Saints were now passing the ball around at a faster pace and the second goal arrived after a penetrating run into the box from Steve (I want to play centre forward) Morris  led to Ally Rose converting with a well placed flick into the corner of the goal.  Gareth Voss and new boy Ollie Hartfield were having good games in midfield closing down the Beeston players well.

Beeston then hit back with two quick goals as Saints  took their foot of the gas a little in defence.  Saints were now behind  for the first time in the match. The tempo of the match  lifted as both teams went looking for further goals.  The equaliser came in somewhat controversial circumstances, as two offences were not spotted by the umpire which led to a loose ball falling to Ally Rose on the right wing. He drilled in a hard and low cross into the circle and Rob Tee just beat the keeper to the ball with a deflected shot which went high into the net. Protests from the Beeston keeper earned him a yellow card. However, despite the opposition  being down to 10 men. Saints were unable to capitalise with a winning goal.  At the final whistle there were scenes of wild jubilation (aided by Rob Cary providing alcoholic refreshments pitch-side)  as the 5s were LEAGUE CHAMPIONS!!

MOTM: Ally Rose/Steve Morris (joint award)

DOTD: Kurt Jenkins

 

Squad: Kurt Jenkins (GK), Adam Shepherd, Jeremy Wan, Callum Scott-Collins, Ollie Hartfield, David Henry (c), Gareth Voss, Ryan James, Jon Keep, Rob Cary, Rob Tee.  Ally Rose, Steve Morris

 

 

 

Mens 1st XI 5-3 West Bridgford 1st XI

 

Goals: Joe Kopka, Dave Saunders, Lloyd Atkinson, Stuart Clark, Grant Carlin

 

 

Saints finally put an end to their losing streak at the weekend with a well-deserved victory over West Bridgford. 

Saints started strongly and a goal from Joe Kopka put the home side 1-0. Although there were further chances for the home side it was Bridgford who scored next after a very fortunate short corner strike. Saints re-took the lead when Lloyd Atkinson powered home a corner. Saints again let their concentration slip and Bridgford drew level after an unmarked forward deflected in a cross.

 

Saints started the second half the brightest and a fantastic solo goal from Stuart Clark put saints 3-2 up. Again Saints conceded immediately from the restart and the game shaped up for a great last 20 minutes. Finishing was to be the difference between the two sides and when Grant Carlin bobbled the ball home followed by a Dave Saunders strike saints lead by two goals for the first time in the game. Luckily for Saints, Bridgford were very wasteful in front of goal and hung on for a very important victory.

Saints travel to Warwick on Saturday. A win would cement their Midlands Premier status next season.

 

 

Mens 2nd XI 1-2 Stourport 2nd XI

Goals: James Knibb

Saints throw away this match with some woeful defending and even more woeful finishing!!

With a  generous 4.15pm push back, Saints arrived nice and early to find a “fully booked”’ pitch free for them to use for their warm up!

They made a great start to the game as the controlled the pace and tempo, with the midfield of Matt Wilde, Matt Gausden and Liam Cassidy running the show. This early pressure led to some chances which the forward line just couldn’t convert. And they came even closer to scoring when a James Knibb penalty corner rocketed against the cross-bar. Andy Smith followed up the re-bound with the goal gaping, only to strike the ball straight onto  a defenders stick on the goal-line.

Minutes later and against the run of play Northampton found themselves a goal down. Some woeful defending led to Saints conceding a penalty corner. From this they scored to the bottom corner as post man Simon Stringer forgot the basics of putting your stick on the floor! This didn’t put Saints off as they continued to press and play the better hockey. However despite James Knibb causing Stourport all sorts of problems, there was a lack of killer instinct in front of goal. A Pete Riches howler (see Aunties Sporting Bloomers!) led to Stourport taking a 2 goal lead.
Despite a 2 goal deficit at half-time, Northampton remained confident of victory. Just keep playing as they had done and the forwards would eventually score!

The second half started and finally the forwards found the back of the net! A slick move led to James Knibb tapping in from close range. However after this moment Saints bizarrely took their foot off the gas! Despite camping themselves in Stourport’s half, they failed to force the keeper into any saves, despite creating the chances.

This was definitely a case of 3 points lost, and despite a good performance they must be more clinical in front of goal!

MOTM: James Knibb – his pace and skill caused all sorts of problems for the Stourport defence
DOTD: Pete Riches – for reasons mentioned above and for kidnapping before the game!!

Special mentions also to:

• Liam Cassidy for asking to be subbed at half-time! Clearly working at a gym hasn’t got him as fit as he should be!!
• Athiq Thamby for wearing that ridiculous hair band before the game.
• Matt Gausden for his woeful navigating on the way to Stourport!
• Ben Northedge for driving a granny’s car, and for admitting to watching the ballet on Thursday rather than going to training!!
• Pete Riches for being unavailable next Sat. (booking his stag do on a hockey weekend…no commitment!)

Squad: Sam Biddle (GK), Simon Stringer, Ben Northedge, James Miller, Pete Riches, Matt Gausden (c), Matt Wilde, Liam Cassidy, Athiq Thamby, Andy Smith, James Knibb, Dan Rose, Kyle Taylor.

 

Mens 3rd XI 4-4 Loughborough Students 3rd XI.
 
Goals: Matt Swansborough (3), Sam Bigley

Saints came into this game on the back of a good victory against Nottingham University last Sunday. With that, there was an air of optimism in the team to continue the fight against relegation.
 
Saints started the game against the Students very brightly, and enjoyed the best of the possession in the opening exchanges. It didn’t take long for the scoring to start. On 5 minutes, Saints won their first penalty corner. Jason Hillier’s effort was saved by the keeper, but Matt Swansborough reacted first to sweep in the rebound. It didn’t take long for Saints to double their lead. After some good work down the left from Hugo Day, he found Sean Henry in space, and after a mesmerising run, Henry found Matt Swansborough in space at the back post to score his and Saints second goal. Loughborough started to come back into the game and looked more threatening going forward. However on 20 minutes, Saints score their third goal. Sam Bigley produced a fantastic individual effort – A reverse shot – from the top of the D that beat the visiting goalkeeper all ends up. On 25 minutes, Saints went 4-0 up. Matt Swansborough completed his hat-trick, with a well struck reverse sweep after Lewis Ward found him with a defence-splitting pass.
 
Loughborough pulled their first goal back shortly after, with the first of their Penalty Corner goals, a well-executed drag flick, and on the stroke of half time they further reduced the arrears, again from a Penalty Corner. 4-2 at half time, and the team talk focused on the positives. Good simple Hockey, clinical passing and finishing.
 
The second half continued to be an even affair, although Loughborough had more of the possession. Saints defended resolutely with Jason Hillier, Danny Whitfield, Lewis Ward and Tom Wrightman keeping the visitors down to minimal meaningful efforts. When the D was penetrated, Phil Preen produced a number of good saves. Saints had fewer opportunities in the second half, the best of which was a one-on-one for Sam Bigley, after being released by Alex McIndoe, which was well saved by the visiting keeper.
 
With 10 minute to go, Loughborough scored their third goal, another penalty corner. The scores were levelled with two minutes on the clock. Again from a penalty corner.
 
The game finished 4-4 in this thrilling encounter. In truth both sides will have been a little disappointed not to have taken the full spoils.
 
Next week sees Saints 3s Travel to West Bridgford with the chance to stay in the Midlands Premier division likely to have disappeared with this draw.
 
MOTM: Jointly awarded to Matt Swansborough (for his hat-trick) and Danny Whitfield (for an outstanding defensive performance)
 
DOTD: Again jointly awarded to Matt Swansborough and Jason Hillier for seeing yellow.

 

Squad: Phil Preen (GK), Lewis Ward, Danny Whitfield, Tom Wrightman, Jason Hillier, Sean Henry, Alex McIndoe, Chris Rowlands, Hugo Day, Sam Bigley, Matt Swansborough.

 

Rugby & East Warwick 5th XI 2-6 Men’s 4th XI

Goals; Chris Godman (4), Ross McLean (2)

Attendance; 5

Tea; Pie, Beans & Bread. (No chips)

In the news; Gaddaffi & Christchurch

The Stick of God

Another patched-together fourth team, as Joseph Cliffe hangs on at the dizzying heights of fourth team hockey, along with promising youngsters George “Fingers” Roberts and Ross “Nigel Mansell” McLean.

With the formalities over (Scott Bashford “politely” squaring up to the umpire in the first two minutes) Saints took the game to Rugby, and were one-up within five minutes with a beautifully crafted goal finished off by Chris Godman who calmly placed the ball into the corner.

McLean opened his account with a short corner strike to make it two nil and shortly after made it three by dribbling past the entire Rugby defence and slotting the ball into the back of the net. The ex-cricketer was on fire!

Rugby weren’t beaten yet however, as they changed tactics and stuck three old men in attack. Cliffe sulkily dropped back into defence where he was supposed to be but was unable to prevent a goal from a short corner by the opposition. Perhaps if Roberts had been there the ball wouldn’t have gone in, but unfortunately his Mum had banned him from defending shorts due to an impending piano exam!

Half time and a right telling off from Andy Dale tightened things up. Roberts was praised for his majestic skills on the ball but was told to wake up when Rugby were in possession.

After Godman made it four one with a slapped shot that bobbled over the line, Rugby’s only answer was to replay the 1986 quarter final of the FIFA World Cup. A lobbed ball arced gracefully into the D, and Rugby’s answer to Maradonna out-jumped Bashford, raised his stick to the lord and slammed the ball into the net. Great skills, thoroughly illegal and despite Bashford’s eloquent protestations the goal stood. He was still foaming at the mouth in the bar afterwards as he received the DOTD award for flappy jazz hands.

Clearly upset, McLean took his frustration out on a Rugby defender by flicking the ball with uncanny accuracy into a delicate area.

But Saints were now fully in control. Godman got his hat-trick with a reverse-stick shot to make it five and an uncharacteristically selfless pass from McLean let the Man of the Match in to make it six.

MOTM; Chris Godman

DOTD; Scott Bashford

Scott Bashford (GK), Joe Cliffe, Andy Dale (C), George Roberts, James Ruse, Aidan Walker, Gary Patterson, Tom Bradshaw, Ross McLean, Anthony Condon, Chris Godman.

 

Ladies 1st XI 0-1 Matlock

 

Saints took the long drive to Matlock this weekend and following on from a great game last weekend Saint's started strong and dominated the first half against Matlock. Joint players of the match Lisa Coe and Amie Hone Saints kept the pressure on the Matlock defence and created plenty of short corners and chances, unfortunately Saints were unable to convert them. Matlock also had a few chances but where cleared away by the defence. Half time ended with Northampton unlucky not to be 3 or 4 nil up. However, during the second half Matlock stepped up their game and put alot of pressure on the defence and after having short corner after short corner they finally converted their chances to get a 1-0 lead on Northampton. With Matlock continuing to lay on the pressure on Saints throughout the second half, they didn't allow Saints many more chances to shoot. The game ended 1-0 to Matlock.

 

Joint players of Match: Amie Hone & Lisa Coe

 

 

Ladies 2nd XI  2-2  Belper 3rd XI

Goals: KJ Wilkins (2)

 

Saints Ladies 2s had a miserable journey to Belper. The sat nav left them 200yds short of the hidden entrance to Belper Hockey Club. In her attempt to find the hidden entrance captain Claire Dale ended up in a queue for a car wash! Having finally found the club there was not a Belper player in sight so thirteen girls hopped around the car park desperate for a wee!!

 

The misery was not confined to pre match. Within thirty seconds of the start Saints were 1-0 down, caught out by the awful Belper pitch. Saints settled quickly and went on to dominate the first half. KJ Wilkins slotted home from two short corners in quick succession for Saints to go 2-1 up. Laura Wychgel put in a determined performance at left midfield and was extremely unlucky not to score, her shot hitting the post.

 

Once again Molly Ogden gave a mature performance making great leading runs and combining well with Becca Wilkinson. Wilkinson was making her return to the 2s following an incident with a dugout three weeks ago left her with two broken ribs!

 

Saints concentration lapsed and Belper broke through the middle. A young Belper player unleashed an awesome reverse stick shot. Keeper Claire Leech was unsighted yet managed to get a touch but the ball still ended up in the net, top left. Despite Saints dominating possession they were unable to convert any chances and the game finished 2-2.

 

Man of the Match: Molly Ogden

DOTD: Ellie “I can’t see” Bleech

Quote of the Day: “You lot couldn’t penetrate a paper bag” Mrs Snelson – in relation to our inability to score.

 

Ladies 3rd XI 2-3 Wildkatz

Goals: Hannah Richards, Alice Kilner

Saint's Ladies 3's were in high spirits following a fantastic draw against Towcester 2's last week. With only 2 changes to the team - we had a sub this week for the first time in 3 games, the outlook was positive.

 

The game started strongly, with Saint's attacking from the first whistle. We took our first knock, when CJ took a ball to the face - breaking 2 teeth and fracturing her nose.

 

CJ's injuries knocked us off track a little, but soon enough we were back in the game.

 

Emily Kilner made good runs down the right wing, with a fantastic cross through the D, which Hannah Richards came soooo close to converting!

 

At the start of the second half we came out fighting and didn't give up! After missing an almost open goal in the first half Hannah Richards scored our first goal.

 

Saints seem to be winning a lot of short corners, but were unable to convert - although there were some fantastic strikes on goal from both Hannah and Emily.

 

Alice Kilner was so close to scoring in the game against Towcester last week from a run from defence down the wing and into the D, this week she didn't let any of the Wildcatz player take the ball from her and she score her first goal of the season!

 

Wildcatz took us off guard 3 times during the game, the 3rd goal coming too close to the end of the game. Saints fought to the end to try and grab a goal back, but unluckily couldn't convert.

 

Afterwards we all enjoyed a treat of a chocolate cake that CJ had made for the team (and left with Chloe after rushing to A&E)! With all of the events from the game we missed nominations for MOM and DOD so I have taken

 

MOM - Whole team (another fantastic team effort)

DOD - drawen between Natalia Raca (aka Natalie according to Stu) for her interesting stories before the game & Nic Holton for a fantastic slide/fall in the first half - whilst the ball and play was no-where near her!

 

 

Girls U18 XI 7-1 Nuneaton U18s

Alice Kilner (2), Emily Kilner (1), Lottie Tulley(1), Emma Matthews (1), Ellie Bleech (2)

Take no prisoners!" The u18 motto for the day...

As the under 18 team travelled to Nuneaton, even with the early start we were still all hyped up and ready to win!
With an inspiration team talk and positive attitudes the whistle blew.
Saints had a slow start and unfortunately within a few minutes into the game Nuneaton caught us napping and scored, 1-0 to Nuneaton!
At this moment, saints became more motivated and determined and came back with strong runs on both flanks from Leah Sanders and Courtney Thorpe and great hold up play from our forwards Rosie Barnes and Sophie Cattell leading to Lottie Tulley scoring the equaliser. Soon after another 2 more goals came from Emily and Alice Kilner proving that saints were living up to the phrase of the day...The final goal of the first half was a spectacular cricket shot from Ellie Bleech making the score line 4-1 at half time.

When the second half started it was obvious the Nuneaton weren't going to give up and kept pressuring the defence but with some immense saves from Emma Brennan and along with the defensive duties of Stephanie Brennan, Ferne Sanders and Ella Forsyth the score line remained the same. With further sustained pressure from the team especially debutants Hayley Evans-Smith and Laura Thomas up front, Ellie scored her second goal and with Saints continually keeping possession Alice soon scored another awesome goal from a long corner. The last goal of the game was scored by Emma Matthews making the final score end as 7-1 win to Saints.

It was a great game and ever though the score line does not show it, Nuneaton never gave up and continuously put great amounts of pressure on the defence.

Well played to all the girls and thank you to for the travelling support, who kept the girls motivated and encouraged.

 

MOTM - Emma Brennan
DOTD: - Nicky Milford for talking herself in to umpiring, quiet next time coach! 

 

Team: Emma Brennan (GK), Ferne Sanders, Leah Sanders, Stephanie Brennan (C), Alice Kilner (2), Emily Kilner (1), Rosie Barnes, Sophie Cattell, Laura Thomas, Hayley Evans-Smith, Lottie Tulley(1), Emma Matthews (1), Ella Forsyth, Ellie Bleech (2) Courtney Thorpe.

 

Manager Tony Brennan

Coach Nicky Milford