Match Reports from Saturday 10th and Sunday 11th January
Olton & WW 1-5 Men’s Masters
Scorers – Max Darby, Pete Ellis, Dave Wenningtomn, Paul Denton, Jez Deeks (plus 2 assists)
Saints made the relatively short trip to old adverseries Olton with a strong squad of 16 – desperate to match last years achievements of reaching the semis in this National competition. Saints started brightly and moved the ball around at a pace that Olton could not live with – playing true masters hockey in the first half. Goals from the evergreen Deeks, Darby, Denton, Ells & Wennington gave the half time score of 0-5 a very comfortable feel. Bouyed with the sterling words of messrs Noble / Deeks at half time – keep the structure, pass the ball Saints in true Saints fashion ignore the half time team talk and opted to play more direct in the second half and whilst still creating numerous chances could nt add to the half time tally – indeed the only goal of the second half was a well worked goal from an Olton forward. Olton should deserve great credit for playing the second half without conceding due in part to some inspired play by their goalkeeper – despite losing two players to injury during the game.
Saints move into the second round on the 8th February with a good all round squad performance and with the strength in the side will be a match for any side.
Squad: Pete Adey (GK), Jon Noble (capt), Jim Phipps, Jason Hillier, Steve Morris, Tim Daverson, Phil Knight, Mike Darbyshire, Nigel Down, Ian Mcilwane, Dave Wennington, Paul Denton, Pete Ellis, James Askew, Max Darby, Jez Deeks.
Men’s 2nd XI 2-5 Loughborough Students 2nd XI
Goals: Stuart Clark (2) (2 x pf)
Saints had an early start to their 2015 league campaign, in this re-arranged home match against Loughborough Students. They welcomed new signing Matthew Marriott into the squad and he replaced the absent Sam Mitchell up front.
The game started off with Loughborough looking the sharper, however Saints soon settled into the game. However 15 minutes in the Students took the lead and scored a further 2 before half-time. Northampton had their chances in the half, with Stuart Clark missing a great 1 on 1 opportunity.
The second half saw Saints continue to impress with some intricate, sensible passing throughout the side. Matthew Marriott almost scored on his debut as his shot clipped the outside of the post. Loughborough increased their lead with 2 more clinical finishes, however it was Northampton who finished the stronger and they scored 2 deserved goals of their own from 2 penalty flicks that Stuart Clark converted.
Overall a very impressive and mature game of hockey from Saints, which they’ll need to into next weeks relegation battle against Belper.
Squad: Will Powell (GK), Ben Northedge, Matt Gausden, Nick Card, Ricard Pryce, George Roberts, Elliott Wilde, Dave Wennington, Dave Hagan, Simon Chapman, Dan Whittaker, Harry York, Chris Reid, Matthew Marriott, Stuart Clark.
MOTM: Will Powell – some inspired saves in goal.
DOTD: Stuart Clark – for his 1-on-1 and awful second penalty flick (straight at the keeper, who kindly padded the ball into the goal for him!).
Ladies Vets 3-4 Oxford
Sunday January 11th saw Saints Ladies vets travel to Oxford Brookes Sports Centre for the next round of the Trophey.
Oxford opened the scoring early on, however a Nikki Stringer equalizer soon followed pulling saints back into the game. The first half was fairly evenly matched with good moves down the right from Tunni and Trudy. Saints were caught on a break and unfortunate to go into half time 1-2.
Following a constructive team talk, Saints started the second half with revitalized gusto. Win, managed to get the better of her opponent, who kept backing in. Kate Barneston, making her Vets debut, set up a perfect short corner only to be stopped on the line by an oxford foot, resulting in a penalty flick. Cavey volunteered to take the flick and leveled the score to 2-2.
Saints improved structure made for some great team play. Lizz Hone’s pass to Jane Ogden set up,man of the match, Stringer for Saints third goal.
Saints continued to apply the pressure and created several opportunities to score. Captain, Lou Harte missed a sitter and a second penalty flick taken by Tunni unfortunately hit the post.
Saints were looking strong with 10 minutes to go, but unfortunately a lapse in concentration allowed Oxford to equalize and then in the final minutes score again.
A disappointing final score. Oxford 4 – Saints 3