Men’s 1stXI 3-5 Stourport

 

Goals: Ben Scott, Joe Kopka(2)

 

Saints made long journey over to Stourport hoping for a first win in four games. The away side started well as they soaked up any pressure Stourport produced and counter attacked with pace causing panic to the experienced Stourport defence. A three on one chance went to waste as Saints continued to threaten on the break. Saints defended two short corners very well and then won their first fifteen minutes into the half. A solid injection and stop from Carlin and Colantonio enabled Ben Scott to flick home. 1-0 nil Saints. Three minutes later Saints doubled their lead as Joe Kopka rounded off a great move, coolly sliding the ball under the advancing keeper when put through on goal.

Stourport responded well and pulled a goal back through their third short corner. A change of injection foxing the Saints and the Stourport forward beat Paul Madeley at his near post. Saints immediately responded when another counter attack resulted in a goal mouth scramble and Kopka was there to see the ball over the line for his second. Saints should have held this lead until half time but conceded twice before the whistle. The first, a short corner deflected into the corner and the second a back post tap in after Saints had failed to stay with their men. 3-3 half time.

 

Stourport came out very strongly in the second half and it took quite a while for Saints to fashion any chances. It was a scrappy 15 minutes but Stourport eventually took the lead when very casual defending led to a one on one chance and the home side squeezed the ball into the Saints goal. The away side responded well and created a couple of great chances. One of these being a one on one chance just missing the far post. Saints were made to pay when Stourport broke down the right and fired a threatening ball into the D. The Stourport forwards showed a lot more bravery than the Saints defence to deflect the ball into the goal.

 

Another one on one chance went begging for Saints as well as two more half chances and a last ditch short corner which Scott failed to convert. A very disappointing defeat especially after holding a two goal advantage twice in the first half. A lot of growing up needs to be done to protect these leads after Christmas as Saints have dropped 8 points from winning positions so far this season. Aside from this the dressing room is very positive and a good start after Christmas away at Coventry and home to Rugby will settle any nerves going into the last few games.

 

 

 

Men’s 3rdXI 0-0 Loughborough Town

 

 

Brainless was the word mentioned, otherwise choose from un-inspiring, disjointed or carbon copy of last week. Saints went into the game with Loughborough Town knowing a win was essential to keep pressure on the promotion places. What they didn’t take in to consideration was Saints leaving their form at home.

First half showed end to end play, yet few chances were created. Loughborough seemed to forget the 5 metre rule, along with wild tackles on both sides made ragged viewing as play was repeatedly broken up. Saints best chances to break through often came from through balls past the deference, but as the game went on percentage passes were used more and more, resulting in lost possession.

 

Loughborough took heart from staying in contention and into the second half created a couple of shots on goal, Thompson on hand to keep them at bay. Saints started to push for a goal, resulting in several short corners. None were taken and Loughborough almost scored from their short corner, only for the shot to be adjudged to have been over the backboard. As Saints pushed for a late goal, Loughborough exposed the defence, and after Thompson was grounded from an initial save, Hillier was needed to stop the follow-up shot on the line. Dale cleared the ball, after clipping his own post in the process. Saints couldn’t find the goal despite a last minute penalty corner. Something will need to change in the performance if Saints are to be taken seriously this year.

 

MOTM: Lucy the Barmaid!!!! Jon Hunter a close 2nd

DOTD: Andy Dale, for multiple failed aerials

 

Andy Dale (c), Simon Thompson (gk), George Roberts, James Miller, Jason Hillier, Jon Hunter, Marcus Spencer-Brown, Sam Bigley, Nigel Down, Evan Morris, Ian Mcilwaine, James Knibbs, Luke Pibworth, Krish Jasinaranchi

 

Men’s 4thXI 3-2 Beeston

Goals: Jon Noble, Ant Czaicki, Ross Mclean

The 4ths bouyed by recent strong form entertained the undefeated and top of the table Beeston with some confidence at home. Saints dominated the early exchanges and within the first 20 minutes had established a two goal cushion. The first being a deft flick by Jon noble after some fine approach play and the second a pole driver of a short corner from Ant Czaicki. Beeston were stung into action and responded just before half time with a short corner goal to reduce the deficit 2-1 at half time.

Beeston started to apply much more pressure in the second half and equalied midway through the second half to ensure a tense finish. The young saints forward line had created chances all game and with 15 minutes left rising badgers starlet Ross Mclean scored a fine individual goal to restore the saints lead. The last 15 minutes ebbed and flowed with saints having an equal share of the chances created and finished the stronger team to record another morale boosting win. This was a fine team performance by the whole squad reflecting the growing confidence within this young side - who now turn their attention to Belper this Saturday.

 

Men’s 5thXI 3-3 Burton 4thXI

Goals: Dave Henry, Rob Cary, Steve Morris

 

The men’s 5s were keen to  halt a mini run of bad results against Burton 4thteam this week. In a competitive game, which ebbed and flowed in both directions, the spoils were shared with a 3-3 result.  The 5s had been suffering from a lack of goalscoring in recent weeks and the pre match team talk was all about the need to push forward and create more chances in the D.  Burton started the more brightly and were soon putting Northampton under a lot of pressure, Scott Bashford was kept busy in goal and Steve Morris and Karl McGregor kept it solid at the back with resolute defending. Northampton were struggling to string passes together and gave away a lot of possession, but then,  against the run of play he ball came loose in the Burton D and David Henry  scored in the bottom right corner with a less than convincing, but effective, flick! Soon after Rob Cary added a second with a much more accomplished flick over the goalie. 2-0 rather flattered the Saints who were still playing somewhat disjointed hockey. Jeremy Wan and Harry Stobart were having solid games at the back, Tom Dysko and Hugo Day were enjoying  surging forward from midfield but it came as no surprise when Burton scored a goal back after the ball was not cleared from the Saints D.  Half time came and a chance to regroup and discuss tactics.

The second half started disasterously for Northampton as  Burton scored from a short corner after less than a minute of the game restarting. The opposition could now smell blood and were attacking regularly through the middle.  After a number of very narrow escapes for the 5s, The third Burton goal seemed inevitable,  and  eventually it came and  the 5s were behind in the game for the first time.  Tom Dysko was then yellow carded for repeated stick tackles further adding to the woes of the team. The 3rdBurton goal though had a positive effect, and the 5s started to play the quality passing hockey that had brought the success earlier in the season. Luke Howard, Hugo, Ed Arnold and Rob Tee enjoyed some good possession and Burton’s goal came under sustained pressure.  The well deserved equaliser came  as a deflection off Steve Morris’s stick  and the 5s were back in the game. Further pressure at both ends could not bring a goal  with the game finishing at 3-3. Probably a fair result, although Burton felt they should have won.

 

MOTM:   Steve Morris   ( great goal to rescue game)

DOTD:  Tom Dysko ( failure to follow yellow card warning)

 

Squad: Scott Bashford, Steve Morris, Karl McGregor, Harry Stobart, Jeremy Wan,  Hugo Day, David Henry (capt)  Tom Dysko, Ed Arnold, Rob Cary, Rob Tee, Luke Howard.

 

Boys U18s 7-0 Bournville Boys U18s

 

Goals: Sam Bigley (2), Jacob Pryce, James Knibb, Tom Wightman, Adam Shepherd, Sean Henry

 

After being knocked out of the Cup competition; the boys were out once again this time in the Plate to face Bourneville in the first round. The original 13 man squad was cut to 12 the night before and then 11, just hours before the game as the commitment of the boys was tested.  To make matters worse, Tony was late arriving from the U16 girls, leaving the team with just one ball to warm up with – for which Sean swiftly hit over the fence.

 

Poor preparation fortunately didn’t cause the Warriors to slack, as the boys came out with real strength and determination and after a ball from Matt Wilde broke through the Bourneville defence, Sam Bigley was on hand to deflect the ball past the keeper. After several more minutes of pressure Saints went 2-0 up with a recreation of the first goal with Sam once again slotting home. The boys had chance after chance for the next 20 minutes, but failed to put any in. Saints finishing the half at 2-0 but had opportunities to score double figures.

The half time team talk was very much centred around the failed attempts and emphasis was put on the strikers to attack the ball in the D. After a long half Saints could really have done with a drink, only to be disappointed by Tony again– leaving the water bottles in his car!

 

With refreshed enthusiasm the boys went out searching for more goals and were patience paid off as three quick goals found their way into the back of the net from Jacob Pryce, James Knibb and a fantastic short corner routine finished off by Tom Wightman – making it 5-0. Several runs from the midfield group of Sean Henry, Max Heaphy, Charlie Cox and Tom Wightman led to nothing. With Max making some brilliant runs only to completely miss the ball on the shot... TWICE!

Possibly the most unexpected part of the game occurred when Adam Shepherd, yes Adam Shepherd scored making it 6-0! Continued pressure resulted in Sean Henry slotting in a reverse after a powerful attacking run, leaving the score 7-0, which is the way it finished. Safely through to the next round, however lots to work on. Saints need to begin to take more of their chances if they are to continue in this competition but overall a successful afternoon.

 

MoM Sam Bigley

DOTD Max Heaphy – for his swing and misses!

 

Squad: Ed Holt (GK) Tom Wightman (C), Matt Wilde, George Roberts, Matt Caton, Charlie Cox, Sean Henry, Max Heaphy, Sam Bigley, Jacob Pryce, Adam Shepherd, James Knibb.

 

 

Ladies 1st XI 1-2 Springfields

 

Goals: Thea Jackson

 

 

Another long journey away saw Saints face Springfield. With just 4 points and 1 place separating these 2 teams it meant victory was key for both teams.

The game started and saints pushed high as Springfields continued to defend their D. A great run from Lisa Coe ended in a well-deserved short corner which was struck well by Thea Jackson to put saints on top going into the second half. Further chances came and went as Saints failed to take advantage of their dominance with the ball.

The second half unfortunately went downhill as Springfields tested Saints defence which seemed to be holding up well. However Springfields won possession back and after a succession of good saves from Bex, they final shoot took the score 1-1.  Springfield continued to test the Saints defence as they won a short corner, after running out hard they managed to score a second goal. Realising the game was slipping out of reach, Saints rallied and spent the final ten minutes camped in the oppositions half. With barely a minute left on the clock they won a well-deserved short corner. Unfortunately they couldn’t convert this and the game was lost.

 

 

Ladies 3rdXI 3-1 Ladies 4thXI

 

3s Goals: Sophie Herring (2), Meg Patrick 

4s goals: Laura Wychgel

 

3s report:

After hanging around all day for our late push back, the ladies 3s set off in their warm up and the meant to go one during the game. A good pulse raiser of rollerball left the girls ready to go on the pitch.

The ladies 3s set off with their foot on the gas, some great midfield play from Sophie Herring, Natalia Raca and Jane Ogden saw Meg Patrick get some great opportunities within the first 15 minutes. However, it was superstar midfielder, Sophie Herring to put away the first two, minutes between each other.

The 4s launched some good counter attacks during the game, but Chloe Arnison, Georgia Anniky and Annie Toman cleared them up nicely, not forgetting Emma Brennan in goal, who made some excellent clearances of stray balls inside the D.

After a half time team talk courtesy of Paddy Howard, the girls set off onto the cold pitch to ensure the win. Once again some great hockey played between Meg Patrick, Sophie Herring and Rosie Barnes saw Meg make the score line 3-0.

The 4s did not take their eye off the ball, and with a swift counter attack, managed to get one in the net, but this didn’t faze the 3s, as they kept pushing till the final whistle.

4s report:

This was exciting and a real challenge for the 4s. They fought back well, and despite spending the 2nd half of the game camped in the 3rdteams half they could not find a way back into the game. Final result 3-1.  A great display for the 4th team girls.

 

3s MOTM: Joint between Sophie Herring & Chloe Arnison

4s MOTM: Lizz Hone

 

 

Girls U16s 20-0 Towcester U16s

 

 

After a late arrival due to miscommunications the Northampton HC U16 girls turned up at Bloxham School, Banbury with the determination to qualify for the next round. Eventually, the girls were able to warm up after another slight mishap by Lydia Macdonell walking into the boys changing rooms and scaring some innocent lads half to death!

Things didn’t get any better after finding out, the opposition didn’t have a goal keeper, however Saints were determined to play. Next came a very productive warm up and confident team talk from Lisa Coe and the girls were set to go. Pressure was applied from the very start and after about 20 seconds the first goal was scored and the total for the first half 9, scored by Lydia, Emily, Courtney, Holly, Laura and Kate. Towcester U16’s didn’t stand a chance!

 

After another determined team talk at half time by our team manager  Tony, the Saints were ready to go again. The girls worked excellently as team, completely out classing the opposition. Ella, Emma and Annie barely touched the ball in defence! And our stand in goalkeeper did not even touched the ball! Another 11 goals were scored by Lydia, Laura, Emily, Kate and Grace ensuring a 20-0 victory.

 

The girls were ecstatic with the result now we are just awaiting the final matches to see if the girls have done enough to qualify to the next round.

Squad: Hollie Wright (GK), Annie Toman, Ella Forsyth, Emma Brennan, Lydia Macdonell, Emily Kilner, Hollie Harris, Laura Thomas, Courtney Thorpe (C), Rosie Instrell, Grace Nolan, Sophie Herring, Kate Clayson.

 

 

 

Saints U11s

 

Saints 3  Kettering 0
Saints 0  Long Buckby 0
Saints 0  Daventry/Towcester 0
Saints 0 Rugby 2
Saints 1 Welford 0
Saints 0 Wellingborough 0
 
 
P 6 Won 2 Drawn 1 Lost 3
 
Top scorers were Mason and Katy Roffe

Saints had a mix of results in the monthly U11s tournament on Sunday. They got off to a great start with a 3-0 victory over Kettering with Katy Roffe among the scorers. However 0-0 draws against Long Buckby &  Daventry followed by a 2-0 defeat against Rugby saw them up against it. Determined to finish on a high they secured a 1-0 victory against Welford and finished the tournament with a goal-less draw with Wellingborough.   
 

The team played well with each player adapting to new positions and having to be substituted on a regular basis due to the number of players that wanted to play.
It is fantastic to see the talent that these youngsters have and how there hockey is progressing well.
Special mention to James Roffe for a good  performance in goal and to Holly Adams for having to go off with an injury after some great defence work.
In general a good performance by all in the cold weather.