Match reports from 11th and 12th January
Ashby Masters 0-7 Men’s Masters
Goals: James Askew (3), Trevor Fidler, Ian Mcilwaine, Jez Deeks, Mike Derbyshire
Saints travelled to a frost bitten Ashby with high hopes of progressing into the 3rdround draw. Saints started strongly and kept possession of the ball well with the midfielders Macca, Dave Wennington, Trev Fidler, Gary Paterson and Paul Denton all instrumental in keeping a good flow and sense of purpose to the Saints play. The Ashby defence were constantly under pressure with the forward line of James Askew, Max Darby and Jez Deeks all belying the years creating numerous chances. The only mystery really is how the Saints were only 4 goals to the good after an excellent first half display of hockey – James Askew 2, Ian “Macca” Mcilwaine, Jez Deeks the scorers.
The message at half time was more of the same however such was the gulf between the two sides play became a little scrappy as Saints continued to carve open the Ashby defence. James Askew completed a richly deserved hat trick, Trev Fidler managed to convert his most difficult chance, (seconds after rounding the keeper with an open net only to pass to a lone defender on the line – a technical flaw that has dogged his long distinguished career at the Saints). The rout was finally complete as Mike Darbyshire strode up from the back to strike a crisp short corner into the Ashby net – such was the clinical execution of the strike it prompted celebrations later in the pub with a bottle of champagne chaser (local historians suggested it was the first bottle sold in Ashby since the booming eighties). Throughout the game the backline of Jim Phipps, Jason Hillier, Neil Parker, Mike Darbyshire and goalkeeper Pete Adey kept control of the sporadic excursions of the Ashby attack.
Great performance, good fun, 3rd round draw live on Sky this Thursday as the European dream remains alive.
Men’s 2nd XI 3-1 Market Harborough 1st XI
Goals: James Knibb, OG, Nick Beattie
In their final friendly before the league season restarts, the Men’s 2s put in a promising performance against Market Harborough on Saturday. Saints started the game very strongly, dictating the play and enjoying a large percentage of the possession, with Tristan O’Connor making some great leads up front. However chances were few and far between and slightly agains the run of play, Harborough scored through a quick break away goal.
Market Harborough then enjoyed a period of sustained pressure but the Saints defence of Ben Northedge, George Roberts, Matt Gausden and Greg Summers held firm. Northampton drew level before the end of the first period, with James Knibb on hand to tuck away a well worked penalty corner move. Halt-time, 1-1.
The second period saw Saints switch to a more attacking formation, and within minutes, they were looking the dominant side again. The midfield trio of Dan Whittaker, Chris Reid and Scott Mahoney took control, whilst wide players Tom Hewitt and birthday boy Harry Yorke began to use the space well, causing Market Harborough plenty to worry about. Saints took the lead in slightly fortuotous circamstances, as a ball was played into the D by Nick Beattie, only for it to evade the forward line, and touch the keeper before going into the net.
On a couple of occassions Market Harborough did manage to breach the Saints defensive line, however they were unable to find a way past keeper Jay Worsfold who showed off some superb reflex saves.
The game was wrapped up as Nick Beattie finished off a well worked move to seal a 3-1 victory for Saints. Next week they travel to Belper determined to avenge a 4-3 defeat at the start of the season.
Squad: Jay Worsfold (GK), Ben Northedge, George Roberts, Matt Gausden, Chris Reid, Dan Whittaker, Tom Hewitt, Scott Mahoney, Greg Summers, Harry Yorke, Tristan O’Connor, James Knibb, Nick Beattie.
Men’s 3rd XI 3-0 Men’s 3rd XI
Scorers: Wightman, Rose, Hillier
Saints went into the inter club friendly with the 4th team only one week from a top of the table class in the league that could go a long way to deciding the fate of the 3rd team this year.
From the off the 3s looked very solid as the ball pinged around the pitch and several half chances were created. However the 4s defence kept strong and it wasn’t until late in the first half the Wightman lashed home the ball from just inside the D. This brought the 3s to life and shortly after a second was scored after a fantastic run and finish by Rose lobbing the keeper with a majestic reverse shot.
The second half started slightly scrappy with both teams trying to force the issue. The third goal finally came, though from an unlikely source. Hillier how has scored a hatful of goals so far this season stormed into the D to score a rare open play goal. The men’s 3s stayed solid for the remainder of the match to claim a good win and clean sheet.
MOTM – Dan Rose (if my memory serves me correctly)
DOTD – Sick Note
Squad: Scott Bashford (gk), Steve Morris, Harry Stobart, James Miller, Jason Hillier, Ian McIlwaine (c), Athiq Thamby, Luke Howard, Luke Pibworth, Jack Knight, Dan Rose, Tom Wightman