Match reports from 1st October 2016
Ladies 1st XI 0-4 Southgate
Dampness, darkness and supporters with umbrellas made this third game look and feel more like hockey should look and feel! Back at home and growing in confidence the Saints Ladies approached the game with a positive attitude.
For the first 10 mins the possession was pretty even but with Southgate having had the advantage with a couple of strikes early. Despite some open and flowing play from both teams Saints gave Southgate too much respect and space which lead to an opening goal that was not hard fought. A disappointing lapse in concentration. This lack of concentration saw Saints down 3-0 at half time. This was a reflection of the lapses at times. But plenty of positives during the half, through the team coordination and attacking pace leading to the award of two penalty corners and a flick that went unconverted.
The sun came out, the brollies went down and Saints decided to play like they deserved to be there going into the second half. With a lot more grit and determination Saints made the second half much harder for Southgate. With very loyal and vocal supports, kept under control by supporter official Jo Vandersteen, the saints were kept motivated and focused throughout the second half. The movement on and off the ball in the second half looked like a different team. Space and opportunities were created by the increased pace and willingness to take measured risks. Saints were now not just holding their own defensively they were putting pressure on offensively. With repeated breaks into the attacking 23 Saints created opportunities that have been scarce in recent matches. With a depleted bench many of the team earned their teas. The question is what can they do with a full bench and the conviction, skill and determination shown in the second half? All will be found out in future games! Final score 4-0.
Men’s 1st XI 1-2 Warwick
Goals: Matt Gausden
The 1s started their league campaign in disappointing fashion, as they lost 2-1 in a very open attacking game.
Warwick took an early lead following a turnover of play within Saints 23. This was very much against the run of play and whilst Northampton continued to take the game to Warwick they couldn’t convert their possession and attacking intent into goals!
A quick counter-attack by Warwick resulted in them winning a penalty corner from which they doubled their lead. And with minutes to go in the first half it looked as though Saints would be up against it. However with seconds left on the clock, the most unlikely of scorers stepped up to get Saints back in the game! After some well worked play on the left side of the pitch, the ball was drilled into right back Matt Gausden who had space to slap a reverse stick shot into the bottom corner of the goal. His first goal in 5 years saw a look of disbelief amongst his team-mates and the crowd!
2-1 down at half-time.
The second half saw Northampton come out all guns blazing as they camped themselves in Warwick’s half. A yellow card to defender Jamie Webb put a temporary hold on Saints attacking intent. Stuart Clark, Cam Arnold and others came close to scoring in this half but the equaliser proved to be out of reach as Warwick held on.
A disappointing result, but some very encouraging signs, and lots to look forward to in the season ahead.
MOTM: Dan Whittaker & Cam Arnold
DOTD: Simon Chapman – injuring himself in the warm up.
Squad: Paul Madeley (GK), Nick Whorton, Jamie Webb, Stuart Philllips, Matt Gausden, Adam Wright, Alex Piper, Nick Beattie, Gareth Parker (c), Dan Whittaker, Ali Bowden, Stuart Clark, Cam Arnold, Simon Chapman, Sam Wilson.