Match Reports from 2nd October
Mens 1st XI 7 – 0 Chesterfield 1st XI
Goals: Stuart Clark (3), Ben Scott (2), Gareth Parker, Martin Corey
After defeat in their two opening league games Saints came into their home game against Chesterfield in needing a win to kick start their season and put their first points on the board. Saints knew they would be in for a physical game against a Chesterfield team who press intensely and are very strong in the tackle. Saints started the game in fantastic fashion, having the lion’s share of possession and converting two early penalty corners into goals – with both goals coming from a much improved short corner routine which saw Ben Scott drag flick the ball into the bottom left corner.
Saints entered half time only 2-0 up, which flattered the visitors. Saint’s started the second half slowly, and it took 15 minutes before they sealed the game with another goal from a short corner – with Mike Tillson and Alex Press combing before Stuart Clark edged the ball over the goal line. Following the 3rd goal the visitors lost their composure and this allowed Saints to really got into their rhythm. Two more Stuart Clark goals followed – the second of which saw him beat an on-coming keeper one-on-one and slide the ball into the goal. Further goals from Gareth Parker and Martin Corey completed a 7-0 rout for the home side.
Beeston 2nd XI 6-0 Mens 2nd XI
Squad: Sam Biddle (GK), Kyle Taylor, Ben Northedge, Matt Gausden, Ben Stephenson, Matt Wilde, George Mellor, Liam Cassidy, Lloyd Atkinson, Grant Carlin, Athiq Thamby, James Knibb, Andy Smith.
The Mens 2nd XI started there Ener-G Midlands Premier Division league campaign with possibly the hardest game of the season, Beeston away!
The team talk was good, Colyn Biddle came prepared with a magnetic clipboard!
Kyle “Hobbit” Taylor led the warm up, a slight improvement on last week as the team seemed more stretched and warmer than previous attempts (Athiq, you’re fired!). It must be that Elvish magic!
Onto the game: Perhaps they were over-awed by the opposition, but within 1 minute of the game starting Saints fell a goal behind, as they backed off and allowed a Beeston forward to waltz through the defence to score. Clearly this was the wake-up call Saints needed, as 30 seconds later they attacked and a lovely cross found Atkinson with a clear strike on goal from a few yard out, unfortunately the Beeston keeper pulled off a great save. From then on Northampton played with great confidence and belief, really putting the pressure on Beeston, unfortunately they were just lacking that clinical edge in the final third. And this is where Beeston made Saints pay as they converted 2 penalty corners in quick succession. Half-time 3-0 down.
The second half continued in the same pattern, Saints putting the pressure on Beeston, but again they were not clinical enough in the final third as they wasted good chances through Athiq Thamby, James Knibb and Andy Smith. This proved to be costly as Beeston scored from 1 further penalty corner, a magnificent reverse stick shot and then picked up on a defensive error to finish the game 6-0.
A harsh result on Saints who certainly showed they shouldn’t be afraid of competing in this league.
Special mentions:
- George Mellor– How many 2 yard aerials can I try in 1 game?
- Kyle “Hobbit” Taylor – why make a simple pass when you can try and take on the whole Beeston team from right back!
- Colyn Biddle – only took him 10 minutes to be told off by both umpires!! Good work!
- Ben Northedge – actually made some good tackles (along with a few stick tackles!)
- Grant Carlin– for possibly being hungover before the game?
MOTM: Ben Stephenson, some superb tackling
DOTD: James Knibb – just look at him!
Mens 3rd XI 2-2 Edgbaston 3rd XI
Scorers: Simon Ellison; Matt Swansborough
Team: Paul Madeley, James Miller, Jason Hillier, Danny Whitfield, Patrick Pacheco, Kieran Lane, Ian McIlwaine, Nigel Down, Chris Brimyard, Matt Swansborough, Dan Rose, Simon Ellison, Tom Bradshaw, Sean Henry, Max Heaphy
Saints entertained Edgbaston for their first game of the new season, and the first in the Midlands Premier Division. Knowing the standard of hockey would be much tougher and quicker this year, Saints pre match warm up and team talk centred around playing simple, quick hockey.
The early exchanges were relatively even with both sides working out their opposition. The breakthrough came about halfway through the half when the visitors scored from a well converted Penalty Corner. Saints didn’t lose their composure though, and McIlwaine, Down and Brimyard controlled the midfield and provided a few good attacking opportunities. Saints drew level shortly after when debutant Simon Ellison scored by way of a lob of the keeper from the top of the D. Saints seized upon this momentum and continued to enjoy a good chunk of possession. Shortly before half time, Saints took the lead when Kieran Lane fed the ball into the D and Matt Swansborough beat the keeper to the ball to direct it into the goal, despite the best efforts of the Edgbaston defence. The score remained at 2-1 at halftime.
Miller’s team talk pointed out that we all looked knackered, which meant the team was working hard. Despite the lack of provision of oranges, more hard work was demanded in the second half.
The second half took a similar pattern to the first half, with Saints shading the possession, however, despite good work from Sean Henry on the right, Saints failed to create any clear cut opportunities. Danny Whitfield was the hero midway through the half when he miraculously cleared the ball of the goal line when the visitors seemed destined to score. With 10 minutes to go however, the away side did draw level, through another Penalty Corner. The last few minutes were end to end with both sides looking for a winner, but neither side creating a clear chance. The final whistle went and the spoils were shared.
A draw was a fair reflection on the game, although both side will think it is 2 points dropped in what is bound to be an extremely competitive league. Next week sees the 3s travel away to Beeston 3s, which will inevitably be a difficult encounter.
MOTM: Danny Whitfield for his goal line heroics
DOTD: Dan Rose for overrunning a ball and injuring himself by running into the fence!
Belper 4th XI 2-1 Mens 4th XI
Goals: Lewis Ward
Saints 4s had their first league match of the season, and on arrival at Moulton
the team were down to 10 men due to people falling by the wayside. While the
team were getting ready to leave Andy Dale had the task of mustering up
another player.
Now the savour of the day fell to the young Ali Rose who that night had been
subjected to walking in the rain while on a Duke of Edinborough Expedition
and had only had a few hours sleep. Dragging him out bed bleary eyed his
mum drove him all the way to Belper (good work Jackie!).
Once Saint’s arrived there was not enough time for a general warm up, so
had to get down to business straight away, but due to this Saints seemed to
build some convincing play down both wings with some cutting ball fired into
the box only for the sleepy forwards to wander in few seconds late.
Most of the game was being played in the centre of the park with only the odd
telling ball being played in to box, and was Belper to score first from a break
that cut down the left and beating Scott Bashford at his near post.
Saints went in at half time 1-0 down but all to play for, and mid way through
the second half with some persistent attacking Lewis Ward thundered
through the Belper defence to score past the flagging Belper keeper.
With some aggressive attacking from both side the game sat in the balance
and in the last ten minutes Belper broke down the saints defence to score the
winner.
For all the want from the saints players they could not then bring the game
back, and with frustration setting in the not so level headed Andy Dale gained
himself a yellow card due to having a sudden burst of verbal diarrhea.
Saints 4’s can draw some positives from this match as the opposition
admitted they did not find the game an easy ride.
MOTM: Ali Rose and his Mum Jackie, for driving all that way at the spare of the
moment
DOTD: Andy Dale for his outburst and not having enough player’s
Mens 5th XI 2-1 Sutton Coldfield VI
Goalscorers; Pibworth, Sargent
Squad: Phil Preen (GK), Aidan Walker, Steve Morris, Callum Scott-Collins, Joe Cliffe, Jon Keep, David Henry (c), Marcus Spencer-Brown, Ed Arnold, Luke Pibworth, Rob Cary, Timsch Sargent
Attendance; 8
Tea; Extra fluffy sausages.
In the news; Lithuanian blonde island plan raises eyebrows.
Sargent Slugs it Out
The start of the season saw a welcome return of Tim Sargent to the fray, sponsored by Morrisons. Heading up Saints’ attack alongside Rob Cary, the stripey-socked attacker wasted no time in putting the home side 1-0 up with a shot that dribbled over the line with the speed of an arthiritic slug.
Saints kept up the pressure in the first half with Joe Cliffe and Ed Arnold skinning the opposition on the right to create chances for Sargent Morrison and Corporal Cary.
This was a competitive match in which the visitors made Saints work hard. But solid teamwork gave the home team the edge and it was somewhat surprising that Sutton were able to draw the scores level just before half time as a deflected shot squeezed past Phil Preen’s legs.
Saints took control again in the second half, and an outstanding run by Callum Scott-Collins set up the winning goal for Luke Pibworth to score from the top of the D. Indeed, Pibworth could have scored a hatful, if it were not for a surfeit over-zealous swings of the club.
Sutton didn’t give up, though, as Saints midfield was sorely tested. David Henry’s battery light was flickering wildy and Marcus Spencer-Brown’s primeval screams of agony could be heard in Bellinge as he went down with leg-ache. Quote of the day goes to Grandpa Spencer-Brown, “You’re too young to get cramp, what you need is a pint of Guiness!”
Jon Keep ran the clock down beautifully in the last minutes and that rounded off an excellent, gritty, team performance and puts Saints in a great spot for the new campaign.
MOTM: Joe Cliffe
DOTD: Luke Pibworth
Mens 6th XI 4-1 Leicester Westleigh 4th XI
Goal Scorers: Rob Tee (2); Tim Warburton and Sam Russell
Kryptonite and burger patties
In a galaxy far, far away the forces of good battled the multitudes of evil. Dastardly Dermot cried: “Guys, I love you but we only have 4 goals to save the Earth!!” The heroes set out to save the day. Kindly not wearing their undies on the outside (due to health and safety rules) the motley crew boarded their super cruiser (put a fiver of fuel in) and blasted into the nether regions of space.
The nubile virgin cried out for help. 12 muscle bound super heroes spread out desperate to vanquish the foes. With tactics in mind, weapons sharpened and limitless wit at their disposal, the first 20 minutes of the game showed that all those years in super hero school had been completely wasted. Never mind the pants on the outside the heroes were completely pants, period.
Then against the odds Cunning Chris Easton dashed through the centre and passed to Wrecking Ball Rob Tee who slotted the first goal past Darth Vader. The mood picked up and the Fighting Sixes transformed into a battle unit. Desperate Dan gawped at James Jehovah Ruse who collected a mighty blow across the shins (DD had left his shin pads at home – risking everything for the cause).
The match was characterised by solid defending from Krazy Karl McGregor and Gorgeous George. Ed “The Duck” Holt was called upon to make 3-4 valuable saves. But, in accordance with the flow of play, Fireman Sam dashed in to the opposition’s D and slotted home some food for their half time talk. The foes skulked into their lair to recollect their powers and prepare for mayhem.
At the half time talk DD was asked to mark Danger Mouse. We drastically underestimated his side kick Penfold who in the opening exchange put one home and ran shouting something like “Aww ‘Eck!!!”. With X-ray vision we saw the enemies weakness, stealing their supply of kryptonite we mustered forward and insurmountable pressure on their defenders we forced a penalty flick. Rob put it home and we were 3-1 up.
Pressure was back on us and Karl “Kickass” Flowers was required to throw life, limb and all of his 11 stone into a short corner defence. Leicester was awarded a p-flick and Ed was required to dig deep and save it with his throat. Leicester has another goal disallowed after slapping one into the net with first shot on short corner.
With loads of argy bargee, Nigel “Nam” Riches was forced to the ground and the resulting free hit resulted in Georgeous George passing across their goal for Rob to clinch the winner and save the world from inevitable doom. The last part about “saving from doom“ was in question as the super hero contribution to global warming after the beans for tea probably negated it.
Teas: Bread, Beans, Burger Patties and Chips
MOM: Rob Tee (awesome goals) AND Sam Russell (goals and outstanding play)
DOD: Tim Warburton (watching the game)
Squad: Dermot Cassidy(c); Ed Holt (GK); Karl McGregor; Chris Easton; Sam Russell; Karl Flowers; Dan Burge; James Ruse; Nigel Riches; George Roberts; Rob Tee and Tim Warburton.
Ladies 1st XI 4 – 3 Birmingham Uni 2’s
Goals: Fran Lee, Amie Hone, Esther Kejbit (pf), Jess Lovell
Saints started the game strongly and were rewarded with their first goal when Lottie Tulley made a good run down the right side which was followed up with Fran Lee making a diving reverse stick sweep past the keeper.
Shortly after Birmingham levelled the game scoring their first goal from a free hit outside the D. Saints replied strongly hungry to get the game back in their favour and Fran Lee took the ball along the back line to an awaiting Amie Hone who powered the ball into the back of the net.
Moments later Hone was swept off her feet by the brummy keeper with the ball no where in site, a penalty flick was awarded and skillfully converted by Esther Kejbit.
The final goal before half time came when Emma Cooper made a run along the back line and passed to Jess Lovell who gracefully pushed it past the keeper.
The second half started scrappy by Saints and continued this way. Birmingham deflected a short corner to achieve their 2nd goal this was then followed by another goal from another Birmingham short corner. It was a tense finish to the game but saints managed to hold on for a 4-3 victory!
Man of the Match: Amie Hone
Written by Lisa Coe
Ladies 3rd XI 0-6 Towcester Ladies 2nd XI
It was all something and nothing…… well 6 nothing to be precise.
Saints eventually turned up ready to go on a beautiful day at the High school. That was where the beautiful game ended. We passed the ball beautifully with confidence and some great play. Our defence worked tirelessly to thwart the Tows forwards and were unfortunate to leak some goals in the first half. Our midfield ran their socks off and although they didn’t see much of the ball, our forwards worked hard and at one or two moments looked as if the ball was goal bound, only to be denied by the opposition keeper. There were a few highlights I would like to mention:
Lizz Hone showing her experience and keeping calm when a very talented, but temperamental young opposition player took exception to her style of tackling and threw herself at the floor at Lizz’s feet. Then had the audacity to blame Lizz. How rude?
A certain left back and goalkeeper turned into forwards having a surprise 2 on 1 with thedefenceand after foiling the centre back, were denied their first goal by a very agile keeper. Maybe next time!!!
Nic Holton for asking (telling) Steph Brennan to go into midfield as she was a bit tired then missing a perfectly timed pass across the top of the D. Shameful Holton for a player of your experience.
Chloe “thou shall not pass” Arnison playing an absolute blinder in centre back and very well deserved player of the match. Even her opposite number gave up trying to get past her in the end. At this point I would like to point out Chloe was chased around the pitch for a good ten minutes by a stray dog and even managed to take the ball off it too! Well done Chloe!
Jo Askew showed us her spider keeper abilities again by saving a great shot off her right hand and then padding it over the fencing. She then, still fully padded up, scaled the fence and retrieved the ball much to the amusement of the whole audience.
Annie “jagerbomb” Holt for stupidly turning up still a little bit drunk then actually admitting it in the changing rooms. Silly silly Annie, or as we know her “dick of the Day”.
I would also like to draw the attention of the committee to installing a pay per minute match fees system as yet again I seemed to get injured in the first half, although it was an excellent ball though which I thought I had until their centre back ruthlessly shoved me to the floor, again dislocating my knee. Just plain rude!!
And our last point must go to all 7 of our disallowed goals: well done ladies for your attempts, maybe not throwing, kicking or bowling the ball into the net next week. Just a plain old whack it with your stick will do!!
MOTM: Chloe Arnison
DOTD: Annie Holt
Winner of the fines meeting with a massive 41 fines and has to get her tots out nest week Lizz Hone.
Thanks again to the travelling support, we’ll see you pitch side very soon.
Northampton “Saints” Badgers 1-3 Rugby & EW 7th XI
Goals: Hayley Evans-Smith
Northampton played Rugby & East Warwick today for the first time.For many players in the team this was one of their first league games for Northampton Badgers. While Northampton’s defence was strong Rugby still managed to slot away an early goal.
After a few half time oranges Northampton continued a strong and evenly matched game. However Rugby scored 2 more goals after wearing the keeper down in two very long plays. But with five minutes to go Greg Summers pulled off a great pass for Hayley Evans-Smith to finish the play with a goal, leaving the score: Northampton 1-3 Rugby & East Warwick
Written by Lewis Moran
Welford Badgers 6-1 Northampton “Lions” Badgers
Goals: Jeremy Wan
After a disappointing first half by Northampton, Welford went into half time leading 4-0. But after an uplifting team talk by the captain and coaches, Northampton pulled back with an excellent goal by Jeremy Wan from a penalty corner which lifted their heads as they went on to dominate the second half. Unfortunately towards the last 10 minutes Northampton tired out and Welford scored another 2 late goals to leave the final score Welford 6 – Northampton 1.
MOTM: Jeremy Wan for his excellent goal and outstanding commitment throughout.
Written by Lee Thompson