Match Reports from 23rd February
Ladies 1st XI 1-1 Beeston
Goals: Ferne Sanders
The Saints travelled to table topping Beeston last Saturday. Despite the early start and confusion over the timings the Saints began the game in a positive frame of mind. Beeston did what they do best and competed all over the pitch but Saints matched them for effort and despite one or two early scares where they managed to get around the back of the Saints defence only to be met by Saints keeper Claire Leech and Beeston were not allowed to capitalize on the early pressure. Saints soon began to force their way into the match and created several chances, withSally Cory, Ellie Bleech and Emma Cooper all having shoots saved in the first period.
The Saints maintained their drive during the second period and although Beeston may have held the territorial advantage they did not create too much directly in front of the Saints goal. In fact it was not until the 50th minute that either side won a penalty corner, which went to Beeston and was quickly followed by a second. From this corner Beeston were able to guide a deflected shot into the goal to open the scoring and was confirmed after the umpires had a discussion. However the Saints continued to work and a few minutes laterCaz McCabe was soon driving onto the Beeston circle from the right wing. Her pass foundFerne Sanders on the penalty spot who swept the ball home to level the scores. The game ended in a 1-1 draw with the Saints defence holding solid under late Beeston pressure and is a vast improvement on the meeting earlier in the season but was hard fought in all areas and well deserved.
Team:Claire Leech, Caroline Hossack, KJ Wilkins, LA Chacksfield, Clare Sibley, Caz McCabe, Sarah Brimyard, Sally Cory, Emma Cooper, Ellie Bleech, Georgia Linnell, Ferne Sanders
Men’s 2ndXI 0-1 Sutton Coldfield 2ndXI
They say that possession is nine tenths of the law. Well this rule didn’t apply in Sutton Coldfield on Saturday as Saints were beaten 1-0 despite dominating most of the play.
The first half was a fairly even affair as both teams created half-chances but neither keeper was really tested. As the half wore on Saints began to force Sutton onto the back foot but still couldn’t create any clear cut chances.
The second half got off to the worst possible start as Northampton carelessly gave away possession straight from the push back. Sutton made the post of it as they calmly slotted the ball past Robin Sawyer in goal. As they had done at Moulton earlier on the season, the opposition then proceeded to sit back and allow Northampton plenty of possession out wide and around the half-way but sensibly covered all angles into the D. With 10 minutes remaining an opening arrived as forward Greg Summers rounded the keeper and struck the ball goal-wards, but Sutton’s defender had other ideas as he showed off his Jedi like skills to stop the ball in mid-air as it headed towards the goal.
MOTM: Alex Blunt for his tireless work upfront.
DOTD: Tom Wightman for his partial assist in their goal.
Ladies 2ndXI 1-3 Belper
Goals: Emily Wilkins.
The 11 strong Ladies 2s, after a very picturesque journey had an excellent first half. After sustained pressure saints won some short corners and the first resulted in a goal from Emily Wilkins. Unfortunately in the second half, Belper stepped it up a few gears and heaped the pressure on the saints defence. Belper capitalised on the bouncey pitch running in behind the defence, putting in an equaliser. Despite saints continued hard work and great team work Belper were able to walk away with a 3-1 win. Saints consoled themselves with the lovely cake made by Jane.
MOTM: Alice Kilner for gutsy defensive play
DOTD: Ella Forsyth for forgetting her shoes
Men’s 3rd XI 3 – 2 Burton 3rd XI
Scorers: Moran, og, Pibworth
Saints entertained Burton in the knowledge that anything short of 3 points what put the slim promotion chance to bed. Things didn’t start well for Pete Riches who had a domestic with his kit on route to the match.
Pitch-side and while warming up, any mention of the cold was banned as a ‘Baltic Moulton’ conditions led captain Mcilwaine to threaten substitution to any player who was cold during the match.
Saints attempted to play the passing game, and although some space was afforded nothing came as a result. Saints eventually took the lead thanks to a Lewis Moran Penalty corner taking a deflection high into the goal. Despite having the lead, as the half wore on Burton grew in confidence and after several threatening attacks, including several desperate clearances by Powell, Burton finally equalised. As Saints looked for the ascendancy once again, Wade hitting the ball into the D saw the ball deflect on several feet before finding the goal. Despite protests the goal stood.
Into the second half the Burton Keeper was forced into several good stops, including a great save after a flick from Gamble. However the two goal cushion finally came after a shot from Pibworth with the keeper out of position. Credit to Burton they kept pushing and pulled a goal back almost immediately, however Saints held on to the end for the win.
Ladies 3rdXI 2-1 Olney
Goals: Rebecca Collins Ness Kingston.
Saints 3’a showed amazing resilience and unrelenting team spirit to beat Olney 2 – 1 despite a screaming baby, 2 major injuries an ambulance and only 9 players for a proportion of the game!
The ever reliable centre back Winnie Jones went off only 5 minutes into the game following an unfortunate battle with an Olney forward which has left Winnie with a broken hand.
Savanna Jones unfortunately also left the pitch injured following a ball in the face. Kate Barnetston cared for the injured players along with fantastic support from the Olney entourage. Thank you.
Meanwhile the Saints team battled on. It was end to end hockey with exceptional play from everyone. The first goal came from a brilliant Ness Kingston pass to Becca Herring at the top of the D who with great vision slipped the ball to Rebecca Collins who didn’t hesitate to bury the ball in the back of the goal.
With only 9 players the girls kept fighting Olney had equalised with a run-away opportunity exploiting a gap. Saints were tired but their phenomenal team spirit was the winning force and after winning a couple of shorts in the final ten minutes Ness Kingston put away the winning goal.
Great team performance girls. Recover quickly Winnie and Savanna. And Sophie Burnham we hope the plastic baby recovers from its afternoon of neglect!
This result sees Saints hold onto top spot.
Rugby and EW 5thXI 1-2 Men’s 4thXI
Goals: Lloyd Atkinson, David Henry.
In biting cold wind the Table Topping 4thTeam took the field at Rugby School looking for another win to secure promotion. After mild confusion over the exact post code for the ground, the team arrived safely and prepared for the warm up. This was made slightly more challenging when the Skipper admitted to leaving the practice balls at home! An action which immediately put him into pole position for DOD. Despite this minor setback, the 4s went through a vigorous warm up in freezing conditions. Introductions were conducted for the benefit of debut player, Simon Chapman. Gareth Voss and Harry Yorkewere also welcomed back after good performances in their season’s debut last Sunday.
The first half proved to be a close affair. One early incident was a discussion about the rules of Hockey between one umpire andMax Darby. Clarification received the game proceeded. Saints enjoyed good possession and were comfortable at the back, with Rob, Jim Matt and Richard providing a solid platform. Harry, Hugo and Steve were solid in the midfield and Gareth and new boy Simon were enjoying space to attack down the flanks. Lloyd and Max were busy in attack but Rugby defence were solid and the game remained deadlocked until in the last minute before half time David ran onto a through ball from Gareth, pushed it past the goalie for Lloyd Atkinson to arrive late and reverse the ball high into the Rugby net. The half time whistle followed immediately, a good time to score! HT: 1-0.
Northampton enjoyed much better possession in the early part of the second half with Steve, Richard and Simon linking up well. Harry was enjoying some good runs in midfield and Saints were looking the Title chasing team again. Matt Candler was his usual defensive barrier and snuffed out several Rugby attacks with some great tackling. Lloyd hit the post after a good run and even Jim Phipps arrived close to the Rugby D after a commanding run! As Saint gradually took more control of the game a second goal arrived when Lloyd dribbled past two Rugby defenders on the left and squared the ball to David Henry who shifted the ball onto his open side stick and slotted it home. 2-0 and Saints were looking comfortable. Richard received a warning Green card after disputing an umpire decision, but it was generally played in good spirit. Later in the second half Rugby started to enjoy better possession and their best players in the centre midfield started to look more threatening. Bah was called into action with some great saves but eventually the Saints defence was breached when the ball came loose in the D and was swept in. 2-1 and suddenly the game looked a lot tighter. Rugby continued to push forward and Bash saved well again. The defence held solid with some great tackling. With seconds to go there was time for one last twist. A disputed short corner was awarded to Rugby, and with the final whistle going Saints feared a late equaliser. Fortunately the shot went wide and the game finished.
A close result, but Saints enjoyed much better possession and created more chances so a deserved win which keeps them well placed to secure the CHAMPIONS TITLE at the end of the season. Just 3 winnable games to go.
Men’s 5thXI 2-3 Belper 5thXI
Goals: Ryan James, Krish.
The long and winding road for the 5s
A lovely Snowy Scene in Moulton for this game for the 5ths.
It was a lovely snowy day at Pound Lane where the team were really up for the win. Overall the team play was good, excellent work from Sam Drive as well as Ricard Street creating chances from the defence. The first goal was scored by Ryan Road nice cheeky tap in from the back post hitting a defenders foot on the way in. The Second goal was a brilliant passing move from the team finishing with Krish Street to slot one away. Sadly for Saints the opposition scored 3 goals after a lack of defending and communication from within the team. Reversing this is the receipe for success! (Ali Crescent’s famous tip of the week).
Funniest Moment of the match: Phil Avenue missing the ball when it was going 1mph towards him, quality dive mate!
MOM: Sam Drive for excellent play throughout the game
DOD: Alex Lane for forgetting his shoes (coughs erm good one!)
Match spectators:3
Teas: Sausage, Chips and beans