Men’s 1st XI 2-3 Stourport (Saturday)

Goals:  Ben Scott, Alex Press,

Saints first team travelled to Stourport hoping to bag three points against the bottom of the league club. Stourport hadn’t won since the opening game of the season so confidence was high going into the fixture – it turned out to be too high. Saints failed to settle into the game and find any sort of rhythm. Bad ball controlled and misplaced passes filled the first half as well as missed opportunities in the Stourport D. Stourport when into the break 1-0 up after a scrappy short corner fell to an unmarked striker who bobbled the ball into the goal.

 Saints did start the second a little better but it took 15 minutes before they equalised. Ben Scott scored a drag flick which was closely followed by a goal from Alex Press as he cleverly round the keeper after good work from Grant Carlin. At this point you could only sense one winner yet the first thing Stourport did was skin Saints down home side’s right wing and win a corner. Saints defended this well and began to break until possession was turned over cheaply yet again. Stourport’s left winger broke on his own and managed to ghost past two Saints defenders along the baseline before crossing for an easy tap in. 2-2. Within two minutes Stourport had taken the lead, again from terrible Saints defending. Paul Madeley came off his line to thwart a Stourport attack with a good sliding tackle but a Saints defender immediately gave the ball away only for the same attacker to lift the ball over the stranded Saints keeper.

 3-2 Stourport and Saints never looked like scoring again.

 

 Men’s 1st XI 2-1 Lichfield (Sunday)

 Goals: Grant Carlin, Greg Summers.

Saints hosted Lichfield on Sunday in the first of their re-arranged games hoping to make amends for Saturday’s catastrophe. The game was very even in the first half with both sides having chances. The first goal of the game came when Saints won possession on the halfway line and broke quickly. Good work from Gareth Parker, Joe Kopka and Greg Summers meant Grant Carlin had an easy tap in after controlling the ball in mid-air. Chances came and went for both sides until Lichfield got back on level terms after some weak defending in the D. A bad aerial from Ben Scott allowed Lichfield to break down the right hand side and cross for an onrushing attacker. The Lichfield player was given far too much time to control, turn and shoot – 1-1.

 The second half was very much the same as the first, an even and open game. Lichfield created the better of the chances and Saints had to defend 6 short corners throughout the match. Saints only won one short corner only for a poor injection to cost them a chance. Saints did however take the lead after a mistake by the Lichfield defence. Greg Summers was only hand at the back post to score his seconds goal of the season. For the last 10 minutes Saints had to weather a bit of a storm but the defence of Ally Rose, Webb and Scott held firm. Dave Saunders cleared off the line and Scott deflected a shot onto the post in which was a frantic last few minutes. When the whistle came, it was nothing less than Saints deserved and gets them back on track going into next week’s game against Sutton Coldfield.

 

Ladies 1st XI 4-4 Olton &WW

Goals: LA Chacksfield 2 (2pc), Sally Cory 2 (1pc, 1f)

 

In a see-saw match Saints Ladies got off to a poor start and found themselves 2-0 down after 19 minutes as Olton began to run rings around the Saints defence. The lead was soon reduced though as Saints began to claw their way back into the game; Sally Cory stepped up to drive home a poor clearance from the Olton keeper at Saints first penalty corner of the match, to close the deficit. At their second penalty corner, LA Chacksfield again picked up on the poor clearance to drive the ball high into the Olton net to level the scores. This stung Olton back into action and managed to scramble a third goal as the first half drew to a close. However Saints still pressed and a quickly taken free hit was driven hard and low into the bottom corner as Cory levelled the scores before half time.

The Saints did start the second half better and began to take some control on the match as the won their fourth penalty corner which Chacksfield flicked high into the top left corner to give Saints the lead for the first time. This only lasted for another 10 minutes as Olton’s centre forward obtained a lucky bounce which saw her in front of an open goal to again level the scores. Despite both teams having more opportunity to score neither was able to take advantage and a draw was probably the correct result.

The single did however manage to see Saints move up the table as teams closest to them failed to gain any points. The Saints have two matches this week Harborne (home) on Wednesday and Boots (away) on Saturday.

Squad: Clare Leech, Caroline Hossack, Sally Adlen, Claire Sibley, KJ Wilkins, LA Chacksfield, Emily Kilner, Caz McCabe, Sarah Brimyard, Sally Trappit-Jones, Lottie Tulley, Sally Cory, Ferne Sanders, Emma Cooper.

 

Men’s 2nd XI 2-1 Rugby & East Warwick 2nd XI

Goals: Alex Blunt, Dan Rose

Top of the table Saints faced third placed Rugby in this closely fought encounter at Moulton. Having drawn 0-0 with them earlier in the season both teams knew this game would go to the wire.

Pre-match preparations weren’t helped with students Tom Wightman and James Knibb turning up looking a bit worse for wear from the night before! However the team appeared pumped up and ready for the fight.

The game started as a very even affair, with both teams slogging it out in the middle of the pitch. The Saints new look back line of George Roberts, Ben Northedge, Matt Gausden and Tom Wightman looked comfortable, and were well protected by midfielders Dan Whittaker and Chris Reid. There was little of note in the first period as both keepers were rarely troubled. The first half finished goalless.

Saints forward line sprung into life in the second half as they began to simplify their attacking play by working the ball around the Rugby defence. Jack Pogson was beginning to enjoy some space on the right wing to cause Rugby some trouble, whilst fellow attacking midfielders Sam Mitchell and Scott Mahoney also helped to pin Rugby back with some foraging runs into the Rugby 23.. With fifteen minutes left in the game Saints were awarded a penalty corner. The initial routine broke down however Ben Northedge recovered the situation with a well-placed strike into the forward Dan Rose who neatly deflected the ball past the keeper to give Northampton the lead. However minutes later Rugby equalised through a penalty corner routine of their own. With the game seemingly heading for a draw, a moment of inspiration was needed from somewhere. James Knibb picked up the ball just inside the oppositions half, and as their defence parted like the red sea, he hit a superb cross field ball to forward Alex Blunt who was lurking on the edge of the D. He then comfortably rounded the stranded Rugby keeper and calmly slotted the ball into an open goal (avoiding the temptation to shoot on his reverse stick!). The last few minutes saw Northampton hold firm and grind out a precious 3 points which keeps them top of the table and edge a game closer to promotion.

Next weekend sees them play a double header away at Stourport and then second placed Nottingham University. These 2 fixtures will play a crucial result in where they finish in the league.    

Other points of interest:

• Chris Reid for having a rant at himself during the first half.
• Tom Wightman for his Joey Barton style tackle in the first half.
• Robin Sawyer for looking like droopy.
• Tom Wightman for making the school boy error of posting about his pre-match chunder on twitter.

MOTM: George Roberts – a very assured display at left back.

DOTD: Tom Wightman – for above reasons.

Squad: Robyn Sawyer (GK), Ben Northedge, Matt Gausden, George Roberts, Chris Reid, Dan Whittaker, Tom Wightman, Sam Mitchell, Alex Blunt, Dan Rose, Jack Pogson, Andy Peters, Scott Mahoney, James Knibb.

   

North Notts 3rd XI 0 – 8 Men’s 3rd XI

Scorers: Luke Pibworth (7), Gamble

Saints 3’s travelled to their furthest destination with one eye on the clock to see if they would be back for the comedy bingo after a 3.30pm push back. After comprehensively winning the home leg, Saints were confident to do the double. The opening minutes were hopeful with Harry Stobbart and Lewis Moran linking well down the right. The first goal came after the ball fired into the D was deflected goal bound. After late night deliberations, Andy Dale, who had been lurking on the line, attributed Luke Pibworth the goal. Soon after a save from the keeper found Will Gamble who gratefully pushed the ball in for number 2. As saints pushed hard, it was the turn of Nick Beattie in his new left back position and debutant Luke Howard to terrorise the defence, several great balls across the D. Before half time Saints scored a further 2 goals, Pibworth on both occasions benefiting from great play by Moran.

At half time captain Ian McIlwaine demanded the score be doubled. Not only did Saints do this but credit to the defence of Dale, Pete Riches, Nick Beattie and Stobbart for the clean sheet. Also to keeper Adam Powell who endured being hit where there was no padding. Pibworth went on to score 4 further goals, despite not always going for the easy pass definitely grateful for surging runs from the likes of George Rockell and Gamble, enabling freedom in the D. Saints felt they were harsh done when 2 seemingly straight forward penalty flicks were not awarded. But by this stage the score line was 8 and this did little to dampen the spirit of the team.

Much to their relief, the 3s got back for their night of bingo, but failed to win the big prizes, but at least Will Gamble’s ‘2nd Line win’ liquorish went down well on the table!

Squad: Adam Powell (GK), Harry Stobart, Andy Dale, Ian McIlwaine, Lewis Moran, Luke Howard, Luke Pibworth, Nick Beattie, Pete Riches, George Rockell, Will Gamble

 

Ladies 3rd XI 2-0 Daventry
 

Goals: Jules Herring,

After a frustrating few weeks due to the inclement weather, Saints 3’s got their second half league campaign off to a flying start securing a well-deserved 2 – 0 victory over Daventry.
It was a slow start from the ladies allowing Daventry to command the game. Fortunately the Saints defence led by Jo Askew in goal and Winnie Jones at centre back, played outstanding hockey and kept Saints in the game. Finally Saints found their rythm and Jules Herring finished off a fine cross from Ness Kingston to put Saints in the lead.
Daventry were relentless with their determination and attacks but supported by Savanna Jones and Sophie Burnham the Saints defence continued to thawt the attacks and keep the very frustrasted Daventry team out of the goal. Ten minutes into the second half Sarah Walker saw an opportunity and passed a ball up field to Herring who recieved on top of the D and manage to stay calm while the goalie rushed out and was able to slip the ball into the goal before being taken out by the goalie.
A fantastic display of team spirit and determination once again saw Saints 3’s finish with a victory and secure their place at the top of the league.
 

Team: Jo Askew, Winnie Jones, Savanna Jones, Sophie Burnham, Ness Kingston, Sarah Walker, Jane Ogden, Kate Barnetson, Clare Noble, Becca Collins, Sophie Herring, Nat Raca, Jules Herring.

 

 

 

Men’s 4thXI 7-0 Boots 5thXI

 

Goals: Max Darby (2), Lloyd Atkinson (4), Hugo Day,

 

After an enforced 2 week break due to frozen pitches the   4s got back to winning ways with a convincing 7-0 defeat of Boots 4s.  The start of the game was delayed slightly due to  an opposition car getting caught in traffic on the M1. The game started in bright sunshine, but   cold temperatures.  The 4s large squad on paper was reduced by two hour before push back, with Will Gamble drafted into the 3s at the last minute and Ant Condon got confused and failed to turn up!

The opening 10 minutes saw the 4s quickly take control of the match with good possession in midfield and penetrating runs into the circle saw goals from Max Darby and two from Lloyd Atkinson in quick succession. Atkinson added a 4th goal and his hat trick before half time.  Despite the clear advantage the team talk was all about trying to improve our passing and using the width more. Hugo Dayadded a 5thgoal with an ‘Indian dribble’ along the  line before a good flick into the net.  A good pass from Gary Paterson saw Atkinsonadding a spectacular 6thgoal which was probably the goal of the game.  A parting of the Boots defence saw Max Darbyadding a 7thgoal as the Boots keeper went walkabouts.

Amusing incidents during the game included Jim Phipps tripping over his own stick, a  strange fight over the ball with a Boots player picking it up with his hand and refusing to give it back. Lloyd was also flattened by the opposition keeper, but no flick given.  Bash managed to get into an argument with the umpire after the game, not sure why.

After the game Lloyd duly bought his hat trick jug of beer and despite notable non-attendance from Max Darby and Chris Godman  a good time was had by all.

 

Squad:   Scott Bashford (GK), Richard  Wharton, Matt Candler,  Jim Phipps, Steve Morris, Chris Godman, James Miller, Nigel Down,  David Henry (C) Max Darby, Lloyd Atkinson,  Hugo Day,  Gary Paterson.

 

Ladies 4thXI 3-1 Kettering 3rdXI

Goals: Lou Harte (2), Rebecca Easton

After the last meeting with Kettering, the team were determined to show how good they could be.  The game started gingerly but after 15 minutes Lou Harte scored the opening goal followed quickly by another scored by Rebecca Easton. Much of the possession was enjoyed by Kettering however Saints looked the more threatening in front of goal as they continued to hit the opposition on the counter-attack, withMaisie Harte pulling the strings in the middle.

“Gobby” Claire Dale (her words) gave a half time talk which gave us determination to try new techniques which resulted in the second half being played mainly in Kettering’s half.  Unfortunately Kettering broke through and scored a goal but Lou Harte retaliated and scored Saints third and final goal.  Player of the Match was shared by Claire Dale, Maisie Harte and Rebecca Easton.

 

 

 

Men’s 6th XI 2-2 Leicester 4th XI

Goals: Joshua Pibworth, Phil Knight.  

The Fighting Sixes entertained Leicester 4s and with the two teams at opposing ends of the table on paper it was expected to be a tough day at the office for the home side.

 

Early doors however, the home side set out their stall well with Darren Thorpe and Phil Knight bossing the midfield and setting up incisive moves down both channels which had the visitors at sixes and sevens.

 

The pressure soon paid dividends as the ball was swept across the D from the right for Josh Pibworth to guide home.

 

Sick as parrots at the early concession, their Leicester side were clearly rattled and exchanged a few bon mots with both players and officials.  With old heads on young shoulders however, Saints pacey forwards stayed calm under pressure and the team were over the moon when a second was added before the interval when Jack Knight wrong footed the defence to set up a sitter for dad, Phil.

 

The league table doesnt lie however, and second period showed Leicester were not here to make up numbers. A clear game of two halves emerged as Saints lost a little composure and momentum chasing shadows around the park.  After a succession of short corners were awarded and missed (to the delighted roars of the home crowd) the visitors showed that there are no easy games in this division as Will Powell‘s clean sheet was soiled when an unexpected quick breakaway burst through the defence….  

 

With plenty of time left on the clock it was a bad time to concede. Fifteen minutes of scrappy end to end play later, which were not a great advert for the game, and despite the defence giving 110% with desperate goal line scramble, the ball was adjudged to have crossed the line and suddenly the honours were even. 

 

With everything to play for the saints dug deep and managed to pick up the pace once more. Attacking well down the flanks and getting round the back of the defence Saints were unlucky not to take all the points when Jack sweet strike smashed the upright from close range.  A stone wall penalty flick claim by the home team as Jack was unceremoniously bundled to the floor by the last defender provided another talking point when it was contentiously dismissed by the match officials. At the end of a funny old game however, the Saints blushes were spared as the umpires blew for full time.

 

Final score 2-2.  An unexpected point for the Saints, but it could have been so much more … could this however be the turning point of Saints season to push on prove they are too good to go down…?

 

Man of the match: Jack Knight

 

D*ck du Jour (in absentia): AWOL Capt Richard Smith for deserting the team in favour of an intimate soiree at Disneyland Paris with Angela Merkel (or something like that!)

This match report has been fabricated with 100% recycled phrases .

 

 

 

Nuneaton 4th XI 1-1 Men’s 7th XI

Goals: Stuart Mclaren

 After a snow enforced two week break the Magnificent Sevens faced a tough weekend with away games against both second in the table Nuneaton 4, and third in the table West Bridgford 9. The first game on Saturday afternoon was played under a bright clear blue winter sky at a now well sheltered pitch at Etone SC. The conditions were ideal and inspired the Sevens, who put in such a complete team performance for the first 20/25 minutes that suggested they were the team near the top of the table rather Nuneaton 4.

During this period of play the Sevens attacked down both the left with Stuart Mclaren and the right with fullback Tim Riches and right half Michael Dicken supported by the midfield of Rob Golding and Tim Warburton in particular covering a lot of ground. Although the play linked up with forwards Nigel Riches and Owain Mahoney, Nuneaton were defending in numbers and there was no opportunity for either to have a shot.

The Nuneaton counter attacks were dealt with efficiently by the Sevens’ defence, Tom Woodhouse busy against a tricky youngster on the left and Ian Street man marking their centre forward out of the game. A quick turnover by the Sevens and Stuart Mclaren linked up with Tim Warburton and Nigel Riches on the left deep in the oppositions’ 25 and then found himself in space in the D and with a deft touch sent the keeper the wrong way and trickled the ball just inside the left post.

Defending the next short corner the Sevens unable clear the initial shot gifted Nuneaton another chance to equalise and they did – the tide had turned and as the first half finished and the second half started the Sevens were under increasing pressure from the opposition. Goalkeeper Dean Gibson who had easily dealt with the occasional shot from Nuneaton in the first half was now fully warmed up and forced into making multiple saves at a time, ably supported by the defence at short corners, Ian Street making his trademark straight bat save at the right post and Tim Riches and Tom Woodhouse thwarting the Nuneaton strikers aim on goal.

Nuneaton thought they had taken the lead during one attack when one of their midfielders had backed himself into the D and taken an under arm flick, back still to the goal head down looking at his feet, had his goal disallowed for dangerous play after it had hit the upper body of a Sevens defender just a few feet behind him, literally, before deflecting into the goal. The pressure on the Sevens continued to increase forcing forwards Nigel Riches and Owain Mahoney to drop back to assist as the midfield was forced back, with Rob Golding and Stuart Mclaren particularly busy soaking up pressure on the left.

Dean Gibsonwas still called on to make the saves when Nuneaton got the shot on target though the shots were only missing by inches including hitting a post and a final scramble with Ian Street clearing off the line after several close shots save by Dean.  

The Sevens did try and relieve the pressure by attacking but generally only made the half way line, stopped by Nuneaton though not always legally, with our smallest player Micheal Dicken wrestled to the ground several times by their adults; bloody but not giving up the Magnificent Sevens held on until the final whistle and earned themselves a thoroughly deserved point away from home.

It was noted by most of the team that whilst they were battling away defending to keep Nuneaton out Tim Warburton and Owain Mahoney were mainly catching up on the news the old fashioned way, standing around and having a chat – one in the eye for social media.

 

MOTM: Dean – a very busy day between the posts.

Squad: Dean Gibson, Tim Riches, Ian Street, Martin Skinner, Tom Woodhouse, Stuart Mclaren, Rob Golding, Tim Warburton, Michael Dicken, Owain Mahoney, Nigel Riches.

 

Mens 7th XI 0-1 West Bridgford 9th XI (Sunday)

 

 

For the second day in the row the magnificent 7s travelled away to visit the team that was now second in the league, West Bridgford newly promoted to 2nd place based on the result the 7s achieved at Nuneaton. This was going to be another tough game for the 7s with Bridgford having had a strong league run this season and a good balance of youth and pace supported by some good experience and wisdom. Captain Jon Keep believed another upset was possible, but it needed a solid defensive game to work. The lines were drawn, and trenches were dug between the 7s 25 and halfway line – this would be where we would defend from – the need for packing this area with players and closing the ball down early was emphasized. 

As expected West Bridgford were strong from the off – several of their younger players showed great pace and skill and it became clear who the threats were. Several attacks broke through the lines but were capably dealt with by Richard ‘Tootz’ Tootell, who was marshalling the defence well. Dean Gibson seemed to have carried his form from Saturdays’ games and once again was dominating his D well. As the half wore on the 7s  were picking up the players earlier and earlier and fewer attacks were making it through to the D. West Bridgford had a number of short corners, but were unable to capitalize on these. Jon Keep managed to get a stick to Bridgford’s one good shot, only to see it deflect over the line into the goal. His despair was quickly relieved when his team mates pointed out that the umpire had not given the goal – the ball had not left the D prior to the shot being struck! A lucky break for the 7s!

 

Tim Warburtonwas again working hard in midfield but was unfortunate to have a ball deflect off his stick straight into his mouth. He was keen to continue playing but was subbed to receive some treatment to his bloody lip. The turnovers in play were going more towards the 7s and as the half wore on the 7s began to make some good forays into the oppositions D. Bridgfords defense was not as robust as their attacking line up and the 7s were creating some good space in the D. On the left side of the pitch Connor Wright was working very hard keeping the two strongest young Bridgford players honest. The young players with plenty of tricks and skills were just not able to deal with Connor’s tenacity in chasing them down. A number of turnovers followed by fantastic passes back up pitch sealed Connors man of the match award.

 

The half finished 0-0. At halftime Jon Keep rallied the team to keep their heads and continue with the same plan, working hard together to close the opposition down and not give them the space to run. This worked well and with frustration and tiredness setting in the 7s were finding some big gaps up the wings with Connor Wright and Owain Mahoney making some excellent runs up the left, and Michael Dicken and Tim Riches finding some good space on the right. A beautiful pass through the Bridgford defensive line from Tim Warburton to Charlie Graham almost gave the 7s the lead – Charlie beat the keeper but his shot was just inches wide of the post. 

 

With less than 5 minutes to go the 7s were caught out giving the ball away cheaply on the halfway line with a number of players pushing forwards. The Bridgford youngsters were quick on the counter and with a solid breakaway left the defence chasing and Dean and Tootz facing a 4vs2 attack. The final shot was quite slow and Connor Wright having sprinted back almost managed a spectacular goal line save – unfortunately he was not quite quick enough and West Bridgford finally broke the deadlock to go 1-0 up. 

 

While the match was a loss, the team performance was very good, with everyone sticking to the plan and maintaining a strong structure to the formation not giving Bridgford the space to run at us. The 7s now have another tough fixture to go against top of the league Leicester Westleigh.

 

MOTM: Connor Wright

DOTD: Owain Mahoney (unfortunate mistake on short corner drag)

 

Team: Dean Gibson, Tim Riches, Jon Keep, Richard Tootell, Tom Woodhouse, Micheal Dicken,

Tim Warburton, Sooraj Premsagar, Connor Wright, Tim Waumsley, Owain Mahoney, Charlie Graham