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Milton Keynes Hockey Club Weekend Results & Match Reports
| Published: 31st January 2012 09:44 |
A round-up of results and match reports from the men and ladies at Milton Keynes Hockey Club this weekend.
MKHC Men's 1s v Spencer
Milton Keynes welcomed a tough Spencer side to Woughton on the Green on Saturday. MK could not afford to miss out on points as the gap between the bottom 3 was just 3 points. MK came out strong and created a fantastic opportunity inside 5 minutes with Brett Hollands quick shot ending up the wrong side of the post. As time past the game was evenly poised with opportunites from short corners being created but just couldnt put the ball in the back of the net. Shortly before half time MK found themselves down to 10 men after grant webster took one for the team to stop their CF before entering the 25. Spencer could not capitalise on having an extra man and the whistle went to end the half and MK new they had another 35 minutes of hard work to gain at least a point.
A good team talk from coach Zak Jones got MK fired up for the second half where again we could/should have put the ball in the back of the net within a few minutes of the restart. The second half was very similar to the first with short corners at both ends but nothing ended up in the back of the net. MK push on in the last 15 minutes of the game but lacked the final pass or clinical finishing.
As the final whistle went MK knew they had worked hard to gain a point and with results going our their way thet are now 4 points clear of the bottom 2. Massive praise goes to the short corner defence who kept out 9 short corners but all the effort put in from every player will be needed again for the away trip to Eastbourne.
MKHC Mens 2's v Eastcote 3's
The Milton Keynes 2 nd XI travelled to Eastcote 3's on the back of three wins. Currently 3 rd in the league with the top two playing each other it was imperative MK got a win. Despite having a team weakened by injury MK put out a good performance in the match. MK started lethargically but soon picked up their game. On-going pressure from MK led to numerous goal scoring chances with Phil Mayles coming close to scoring and a short corner going just wide of the post. The deadlock was finally broken when Giacomo Palmiero dribbled past two players on a short corner to slot the ball home. MK's continued press led to MK scoring two more goals before half time, both from Dave Breuilly.
The second half started as the first ended, with MK in complete control. Any attacks from Eastcote were stubbed out with only a couple making their way all the way to Keeper Tom Fung, who dealt with them easily. Palmiero scored the fourth goal hitting the target with a reverse stick shot from an unbelievably tight angle. The structure and skill MK were playing with meant that Eastcote were tiring allowing the frontline to find a lot of space and hit them on the break. Man of the match Breuilly finally sealed the deal completing his hat-trick giving MK a well-deserved 5 - 0 win.
MKHC Men's 3s v Eastcote 4s
Milton Keynes men's 3s looked to bounce back from last week's defeat with a home game against Eastcote 4's. Both teams were slow to start with a scrappy first 15 minutes to the game. Will Luther then found himself winning a free hit, which he took quickly to his brother Jack Luther to reverse stick into the far corner of the goal to break the dead-lock. MK then grew in confidence and started to string passes together, pushing Eastcote back into their own half. Eastcote pushed into the MK half, but never really tested the MK keeper Alan Phillips. The ball then found its way to Russell Brazier just inside the MK half which he picked up and carried all the way into the Eastcote D past a number of players to reverse stick into the far corner for 2nil. Eastcote did pull one back due to some poor defending just on the stroke of half time. 2-1 at half time.
MK started the second half well by pressing Eastcote into their own half, creating some chances which they didn't take. MK then won a short corner which was Nick Lygobaker drag flicked passed the Eastcote keeper, 3-1. MK by this point were in full control of the game. Some good work from Jack Luther to get the ball to Russell Brazier, who broke into the D and calmly slipped the ball past the keeper to make it 4-1. Eastcote tried to push forward and test the MK keeper, but failed to convert. Will Luther got himself green carded for some foul play. MK finished the game off with a fine move by Corey Jamieson playing a good ball to Dom Tyler to run onto and carry into the D, with a strike at goal which Matt Darvell got on to the end of to make sure it was going in. The game finished 5-1, with a strong performance by MK.
MK goals from Russell Brazier 2, Nick Lygobaker, Jack Luther and Matt Darvell (Debateable). Man of the Match Sam Scannell
MKHC Men's 4s vs Banbury
A thoroughly depleted MK side up turned to face Banbury - the team currently propping up the league table. With numbers that just stretched out to 11 players. MK were forced to play a few people out of position. Up against a team of 14 players it was obvious from the get go that fatigue would play a major factor to the end result. The game plan then was to let the ball do all the work, with the team instructed to find quick short passes and essentially pass it into the back of the net.
MK started the game with the same intensity and ambition as their last game against Bicester with an MK push back almost resulting in a goal. Webby rather cunningly entered Banbury's half from the push back took a napping Banbury by complete surprise. Hobbs was more alert to the move and managed to get behind the defensive line and receive a direct pass from Webby which when cut back resulted in an excellent chance.
MK were well organised, well positioned and conscious of the game plan which paid dividends. Precise passing and smart running saw Banbury on the back foot for the first half. Mk's first goal came from a run into the D by Alex who after attacking the bi line cut back to find Webby - who had little trouble finding the back of the net.
This got MK off to a good start as they continued in this vein by converting a short corner. Dave injected to Mulgy who allowed Webby to strike it for a goal. MK were unfortunately not to score a second short but for an excellent show of saves from Banbury's goal keeper.
MK controlled the tempo of the game and defended in an organised manner, Banbury's only attempts came from 20 yard hits through the defence to players running through. After denying a series of similar attacks Banbury finally scored in this manner after the ball took an unfortunate bobble and lead to a relatively easy tap in with the Banbury player running off exulting "WHAT A GOOAAALLL!!!" - it wasn't...
The half time whistle blow with MK leading 2-1.
MK began the same half with the same mentality and moved the ball around very well but Banbury increasingly began to find themselves in MK's half. Alan pulled off an outstanding series of saves - one of which included a full Klinsmann dive into the opposite post (and I mean ‘into' as I'm pretty sure the post is now completely bent out of shape!) in order to put out what would have definitely been a goal. Needless to say Alan truly commanded his position in goal leaving the rest of the team wondering whether there was any position on the field he couldn't command!
Banbury's persistence finally paid off when on their third consecutive short corner. Banbury's most influential player got the better of Ed who over committed, when running 1, in order to stop the initial shot. A quick readjustment and a side step round Ed gave him ample time to create the goal that put them level.
At 2-2 both teams delved deep in the hope of finding the match winning goal and more importantly the much needed three points. The game became open ended with attacks ending with frantic counter attacks. It would have been hard to predict the next team to score - if there would be one at all! A growing fatigue for both teams resulted in late challenges and more contact than is strictly allowed in hockey. MK kept their heads during this commotion though unfortunately the same could not be said for Banbury. One player in particular redefining the antonym word for avuncular. His volatile attitude coupled with the ability to make every other word insulting left a few players assuming he must be a footballer! Needless to say there was not much love lost between the two teams and the ref had to stop play and insist that everyone calm down. Dave even managed a team talk - which I'm not sure is strictly legal?!
Banbury's last goal came close to the end and the sort of goal that should never have come to pass. A foot followed by a back stick in the MK's corner should have been enough to end Banbury's attack but unfortunately the ref was the other side of the pitch, so play continued... Bringing the play into the D Banbury had a reverse stick shot parried by Alan, which unfortunately sent the ball about 10 metres up into the air. With players aggressively attempting to get under the ball for when it landed it is safe to say the ref should have stop play once again. Well I should say that it would have been safe for the ref to stop play... Instead Paul was positively fouled by the above mentioned player who then proceeded to swing his stick at the ball, head height in a D full of players and amazingly the goal stood.
With very little time left on the clock MK desperately went in search of the equaliser and were unfortunate on a number of occasions thanks again to a very impressive goalie effort. The final whistle blows calling the game to an end with Banbury wining 3-2. Although not the result MK wanted they will take heart from the performance and know that on another day with another sub or two the game would have been won! Next week's game is home to Abingdon - a team with the same amount of win, draws and loses to their name - needless to say it will be a crucial game with 3 points separating the bottom 6 teams! MK also have been undefeated at home since early
November something that they will look to continue!
MK Samuria v Sonning 3
A below strength Samuria travelled to Sonning for what should have been a comfortable win based on respective league positions. Sadly the game went against form. The first half saw Sonning playing very strongly, whilst MK failed to clear their lines effectively time and again it was GK Sam Spencer keeping MK in the game, making a hatful of saves. The pressure proved too much in the end though and after 20 minutes camped in their own 25, a goalmouth mele resulted in Sonning managing to bundle the ball over the line.
MK came out after half time as a different team, with the forward line starting to make better use of the posession that they were given, and the pressure started to mount on Sonning, culminating in a well worked equaliser from Tim Cusk converting an intricate penalty corner routine. MK continued to generate space and posession, but time and again optimistic passing and posession play resulted in Sonning turning over the ball, and in the last 15 minutes their better use of space and passing put MK back under the spotlight. An unfortunate keeper error saw Sonning nose ahead from a penalty corner 5 minutes from time, and then chasing the game, MK were opened up just before the final whistle for Sonning to score their third. The side were shattered by the end of the match and now need to work on converting their immense talent into the cohesive and unbeatable team performance that they are eminently capable of.
MKHC Men's 5s v Gerrards Cross 3
Gerrards Cross is a strong side, and MK knew that going into today's game having been beaten 3-1 by the team at the start of the season. That game was very tough, but MK went into the lead within 10 minutes after Michael Cox passed to Gary Avery who put away his 8 th of the season. Gerrards Cross soon got a goal back however, and MK had to work all over again to regain the lead. 10 minutes later, MK made the break through after James Cox finished well to put MK 2-1 up. Gerrards Cross equalised soon after and the teams went into the break at 2-2.
In the second half, MK's hopes of winning were brought crashing down to earth. Gerrards Cross scored within five minutes of being on and another 5 minutes later the ball was struck into the back of the net to make it 4-2 to Gerrards Cross. MK never looked like making any chances, but one came when Michael Cox sprinted to the edge of the D. The ball made contact with a Gerrards Cross player's foot, but the umpire said that he didn't see it and waved play on, despite many protests from Cox and other MK players. Gerrards Cross got goals five and six soon after, and the game ended at that.
6-2 to Gerrards Cross.
MK played extremely well in the second half, and they deserved more than 2 goals, but their passing was just not up to the standard of Gerrards Cross' young team, who intercepted many MK passes with ease.
MKHC Ladies 1svs. Sonning HC 2s
Looking to maintain their pressure on the league leaders, the MK ladies 1 st team went into their match on Saturday knowing that only a win would be good enough. The MK side hosted Sonning 2nds in what was an eagerly awaited return game with the two sides having drawn three all in the game at Sonning before Christmas. MK started the game strongly, linking well through midfield and attack, however, a momentary lapse in concentration allowed Sonning to find a way through the MK defence to take the lead. The home side, buoyed by the crowd of supporters from the other three ladies teams, increased their pace of attack and accuracy of passing and some fine linking play through midfield from Charlotte Batty, Issy Morgan and Lou Reynolds followed by a finely placed ball between defenders enabling, captain, Sophie Reynolds to fire home an equaliser for MK. With the scores level, Sonning continued to put the MK defence under pressure, however, goal keeper Laura Pellington-Woodrow, along with the defence of Steph Bates, Dee Davis, Laura Browne and player of the match, Sarah Lowry, denied Sonning of any chances of attack and it wasn't long before the MK attack of Kate Cash, Gemma Meredith and Karmel Bracken became too much for the Sonning defence and MK took the lead through a goal from midfielder Chrissy Little.
With the scoreline sitting at 2-1, MK knew they had the upper hand and from the beginning of the second half they started to play some excellent passing hockey and began to take control of the game. Having soaked up a period of Sonning attack, MK's third goal came from a quick break. An early release ball from Lou Reynolds to Sophie Reynolds just over the half way line and a well weighted pass to Meredith, making a fine lead run into the D, who calmly slotted the ball past the Sonning keeper made the score 3-1. In the final stages of the game MK maintained their composure, playing some of their best passing hockey of the season and going close on a number of occasions but the final score remained at 3-1.
MKHC Ladies 2s v Amersham and Chalfont 2s
This Saturday the Ladies 2 nd team faced Amersham and Chalfont 2nds who at the time were second in the league and pushing for promotion. A&C came out strong from the whistle, however MK survived a very shaky start and managed to defend well, after managing to get more control on the game and pass and move with the ball better MK got back into the game with a goal created by lovely passing play down the left wing allowing Anya to score. MK now looked to be playing well however A&C are an organised side and added more pressure onto the MK defence, winning a short corner. This levelled the scores, however, MK now enjoying their hockey went off quickly from the restart and a brilliant piece of passing down the right allowed Becky Atkinson to drive into the D for Anya to score her second, catching A&C on the break.
After half time MK came out looking to defend more tightly, move the ball more confidently and not give the ball away. This allowed MK to control the majority of the second half. The ball came out of defence to Jess who broke down the left wing creating an opening for Lina Makan, who placed the ball in the back of the net to give MK some breathing space. Rebecca Hildrith scored the next goal giving MK a good cushion after great play by Gibbo on the left. However A&C weren't finished despite some fantastic defending from Olivia Curle, Annette and Janet they mananged to break through and score their second. They were now looking to get back into the game however MK dealt with the pressure well, with another goal this time from Becky Atkinson. A brilliant team performance from a 2 nd team who had previously struggled with confidence. A well deserved win and this should give them more confidence for the rest of the season. Man of the match was joint between Lindsay Kettleborough and Anya Dunlop.
Thank you again to our great support on the side-lines and Manjit for his coaching on the side. Thank you to Annette for helping out with her last game for the club before she jets off the Switzerland :-)
MKHC Ladies 3's v Henley 3's
This week the Milton Keynes ladies 3's knew it was going to be hard after hearing the news that captain Jo Hayward had sustained a knee injury the previous week and would be unable to play. With several of the regular team unavailable the 3's asked some of the 4's to be ready in case of an injury. This was just as well as Sam Grover started the match causing Henley lots of trouble and ended up going off injured bleeding from a face wound. MK tried to start playing their own game of short passes and moving off the ball which seemed to be working as they pressured the Henley goal but yielded nothing. Henley kept attacking and had a long corner upgraded to a short corner due to MK not retreating 5 metres despite being warned, which saw them convert to a goal. Zoe Carter and Sophie Wombwell made some great runs off and on the ball trying to get into the D with Susan Watkins and Sadie Carrington linking with them. The defence of Barbara Grove, Alex Barnard, Jackie Collins, Emma Hooton and goalie Holly Captainino kept Henley from adding anymore by clearing the ball away and sending it to the midfield of Dani Russell and Sophie. Half time came with MK still a goal down.
In the second half MK were determined to get the goal back and fought really hard. The juniors Emily Watkins, Lauren Hooton, Danni Jeffrey and Maddy Boyce stepped up and helped in small shifts. Although nervous they held their own and were not afraid to take on the opposition. Pressure from MK saw some short corners being awarded and a great strike from Susan Watkins saw MK get their deserved equaliser. This put a spring in MK's step and they were further boosted by the return of Sam Grover fresh from A&E with a glued chin who with her usual strong spirit wanted to return to the pitch. MK had a short corner upgraded to a flick as the Henley defence broke early after being warned. Susan Watkins stepped forward to take the flick which the goalie saved. MK kept up their momentum and passing game but were devastated moments later when Henley got a second goal against the run of play. MK 3's kept playing until the final whistle went but will feel slightly unlucky to have lost 2-1. The ladies 3's played their best game but this week it was not quite enough even having the majority of the possession. We hope Jo Hayward rests but makes a speedy recovery. Thanks to Matt Darvell and Michael Dillow for umpiring. Thank you to the 4's juniors and well done on your great play.
MKHC Ladies 4's v Vauxhall Chiltern 3's
MK Ladies 4ths played at home against Vauxhall Chiltern 3rds on Saturday 28th January. MK started strong with Midfielders Kathryn Lewis, Alice Bailey, Emily Watkins and Maddy Boyce keeping the opposition from getting past the half way line and getting the ball to MK Forwards continuously. MK were awarded a short corner, coming close to scoring but not quite making it. MK dominated fighting hard against Vauxhall Chiltern's defence time and time again. Then came a cross from Right Forward Charlotte Cox with Left Forward Dani Jeffrey poised to tap the ball into the back of the net but Charlotte's cross made it into the goal on its own giving MK a 1-0 lead. Vauxhall Chiltern were determined to even up for half time, putting more pressure on MK defence but Sweeper Vanessa Cox and GK Tory Van der Hoven fought them off, preventing them from scoring. Half time score 1-0 to MK.
The opposition were tiring by the second half but with MK still having bags of energy, MK continued to dominate the game with most of the ball possession. More great hard work from Midfielders Emily Watkins and Lauren Hooton, getting the ball up to the D again and again, leading to Right Forward Charlotte Cox making another great cross to just in front of the goal with the ball ricocheting off Centre Forward Claudia-May Davidson's stick into the ceiling of the net to get MK their second goal. Vauxhall Chiltern then stepped up to fight back hard, making a few breaks but it was the awareness of Centre Defence Lyndsey Rutherford who stopped them in their tracks time and time again with her excellent tackling. Final score 2-0 to MK.
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