Match Reports from 14th December 2013

Men’s 2nd XI 5-4 Barford Tigers 2nd XI

Goals: James Knibb, Tristan O’Connor (2), Dan Whittaker and ??

The 2s came away with a vital 3 points at fellow relegation candidates Barford on Saturday.

They made a very slow start to the game, and were deservedly behind as a Barford forward waltzed through the Saints defence. This saw Northampton spring into life as they then hit back with 2 goals through James Knibb and Tristan O’Connor from 2 well worked short corner routines.

The start of the second half saw Barford pull level. But again Saints came back strong and took a 4-2 lead. Barford again came back with another goal only to see Saints then score what looked like a crucial fifth goal to take a 5-3 lead.

However the game was far from over as Barford were then awarded a penalty flick which was superbly saved by Jay Worsfold. With the game entering the last 15 minutes Saints saw a number of chances go begging and with only 5 minutes to go Barford got another goal back to make it 5-4. However the Saints defence held out firmly for the final few minutes to record a fine victory.

Coalville 4th XI 1-1 Northampton Saints 6th XI

Goals: Charlie Graham.

Saints 6s continued their week by week improvement by earning a hard fought point at 3rdplace Coalville. With a strong wintery wind greeting the teams, the Coalville players warmed up with a friendly in the match before, while the Saints practiced there stick skills in the sanctuary of the changing room.

Despite the wind at their backs in the first half Saints were soon a goal down. Coalville had the majority of the early pressure and soon found a way through to goal. Earlier in the season Saints could have been blown away but instead they soon had the wind back in their sails.

The game saw another father and son debut combination with David and Stuart Knight taking up their positions in the heart of the defence with skipper Street and Matt Hill moving into the centre of the park. The Knights had excellent games and gave the team that much needed foundation to build on. However it was Mr Hill that got top marks and taught the opposition a thing or two with the Man of the match award.

The performance was very much a team effort and the teams strength down the flanks was key with Micheal Dicken , Owain Mahoney, Mark Seward, Tim Riches and Ben White all combining well. It was one such move that led to the equaliser. Saints stormed through the opposition half with a well worked passing move. Charlie Graham breezed into the D and after a bit of scramble was on hand to knock the ball sufficiently over the line to claim the goal.

The second half was another end to end, high energy affair but with no goals. Both sides had there fair share of short corners but both keepers had good games. In fact Dean’s tip over the bar was so good that he insisted the opposition had a long corner to try and have another go.

The game was again played in good spirit and a trip pack to the Coalville clubhouse to savour the pre-Christmas party atmosphere was enjoyed by all.  Having doubled their points tally for the season it wouldn’t have been hard to double the number of raffle prizes either.

There’s a month’s break now (until 18thJanuary) but Saints will look to build on the hard work of the team and the club in the second half of the season.

Team: Dean Gibson, Tim Riches, Michael Dicken , David Knight, Stuart Knight, Owain Mahoney, Ben White, Mark Seward, Charlie Graham, Matt Hill, Ian Street