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Milton Keynes Hockey Club Results And Match Reports

Published: 19th March 2012 11:22

A round up of results and match reports from Milton Keynes Hockey Club this weekend.

• On Sunday, MKHC Ladies 1st Team take on Durham City 1st team in the semi-final of the Investec England Hockey Women's Vase competition. Come along and show your support from 2pm at Woughton.

MKHC Ladies 1s vs. Reading 2s

Saturday saw the Milton Keynes ladies 1st team in action against the Reading 2nd team at Woughton-on-the-Green in what could prove to be a crucial game in the promotion hopes of the MK side. Off the back of a fine victory in Wilmslow last Sunday, the team went into the game with confidence and looking to get their promotion hopes firmly back on track. The home side started the game strongly, taking control of the game and giving Reading little opportunity on the ball. Their efforts were rewarded when a well placed pass from Sophie Reynolds found Gemma Meredith who coolly fired the ball home past the Reading keeper to make the score 1-0.

Milton Keynes continued to play with pace, however, Reading started to put more pressure on the MK defence, forcing a number of penalty corners and making MK work hard for the ball, with the MK defence of Steph Bates, Sarah Lowry and Helen Cooke making some excellent tackles and interceptions to deny Reading of an equaliser. Play continued to switch from end-to-end, MK going close to scoring on a number of occasions, forcing the Reading keeper to make some good saves, however, it was the MK keeper and player of the match, Laura Pellington-Woodrow who came under the most pressure in the closing stages of the first half, making a fantastic save to keep out a Reading penalty flick and maintaining MKs lead going into half time.

Following a half time team talk from coach, Sue Sutton, Milton Keynes returned to the pitch knowing that they had to maintain their lead and to do so they would need to keep their focus and play some of their best hockey. Despite having chances in attack, the MK defence was broken when Reading fired home a penalty corner to level the scores. Buoyed by this, MK upped their game, knowing they were going to have to take the game to Reading if they were to take the three points. MK played some fluid passing hockey, Laura Browne and Karmel Bracken playing instrumental roles in the centre of midfield and linking up well with Lou Reynolds and Chrissy Little to create attacking chances down the wide channels of the pitch. The Milton Keynes patience and hard work was rewarded when Meredith scored her second of the game to give them the lead and make the score 2-1. Reading fought back and demanded more of the MK defence, however, all their chances were denied. MK found themselves a player down when Bracken received a yellow card but determined to take all three points, they defended tightly and worked extra hard to keep Reading out.

The game went right down to the wire, with MK conceding a number of penalty corners in the final part of the game and following this a second penalty flick in the last minute. With the final whistle gone, MK knew this was to be the final play of the game and the pressure was once again on goal keeper Pellington-Woodrow to maintain MKs lead. A different Reading player stepped up to take the flick and having saved the first MK had every confidence in their keeper.

Following a nail-biting finish to the game MK came out victorious when the Reading player hit the post with her flick leaving MK to take the game 2-1. This win and three points maintain MKs promotion hopes and puts MK in an excellent position with three re-arranged games still to play. The MK side look to continue their promotion campaign next Saturday at home to eighth place Aylesbury 1sts and then they host Durham City 1sts in the semi final of the Investec England Hockey Women's Vase competition on Sunday.

MKHC Men's 1s v Old Georgians 1s

MKHC Men's 1s travelled away to Old Georgians looking for a crucial 3 points, yet it was not to be, Old Georgians were too strong for MK as they beat them 4 - 0. However with results going their way in the national league they have now moved out of the relegation zone. It looks very likely that MK will not be relegated this season, but 3 more points would make it a definite.

MKHC Mens 3s V Tring 2s

Milton Keynes men's 3s travelled to Tring for a local derby. On arrival to the ground MK weren't sure whether they needed their sticks or a bucket and spade. MK were slow to start the game letting Tring 2's take control. MK were wasteful of some good chances when they got them but finally took one of their chances when Jack Luther bundled the ball past the keeper. MK found themselves down to ten men when Will Luther had his green card changed to a yellow. Before the game could restart a bit of brotherly love happened when Jack Luther picked up a green card from the subs bench. MK tried to regroup but some sloppy defending gave Tring the chance to pull level after they flicked the ball passed the MK keeper.1st half finished 1-1

MK started the 2nd half better than they did the 1st. MK were pushing forward looking to take the lead back, but soon found themselves behind when Tring broke forward, a lucky strike found its way passed the MK keeper to take it to 2-1 and again down to ten men when Matt Darvell was shown a yellow for appealing. MK rallied and pushed forward winning a short corner, from which Will Luther flicked MK level. MK were then back to full strength. Matt Darvell picked up a loose ball from the Tring hit out, he carried it into the D to strike the ball, the rebound came back to him to flick into the top corner, 3-2 MK. MK now looked in control and Tring fell apart, giving MK a free hit which Neil Hutchins took quick, laying the ball off to Matt Darvell to turn and mis-hit past the Tring keeper to make it 4-2. The MK keeper made some good saves to keep the score at 4-2 at the final whistle.

MK Man of the Match Iain Berry. MK goals Matt Darvell 2, Jack Luther & Will Luther

MKHC Men's 4s vs Eastcote 5s

Milton Keynes approached their home game against Eastcote with a level of determination; both to win to secure their status within the division and to avenge their away defeat earlier in the season amid controversial circumstances. MK were made to wait a little longer however as Eastcote were delayed in arriving which led to the game starting over half an hour after the originally scheduled start.

From the first whistle, the opening stages were dominated by MK, with a nice move culminating in captain Dave Mac receiving a through ball from Dom Tyler, before seeing his flicked shot well saved by the Eastcote keeper. This initial good start was let down by the defenders being out numbered at the back and Eastcote were able to take the lead with only a few minutes played.

Milton Keynes struggled to consistently produce the goods in the first half, but when they did the results were good. Good link up play was evident in the forward line with Alex Head supporting the forwards with some cute passes and through balls. However all this work was in vain as the defence were once again left unsupported by a seemingly lost at sea midfield line and Eastcote doubled their lead.

With half time fast approaching, MK desperately needed to find a way back into the match and did so after Dom Tyler converted a chance to give his team a lifeline.

It was a game with some physical challenges with Dave Mac consistently on the end of a bruising as he fought to get his team level.

At half time, the team tried to get to the route of the problems they were having and knew that the next 35 minutes could potentially preserve their status in the league.

These words seemed to be in vain however as it seemed only a precious few of the team showed the necessary desire and passion to try and overturn the deficit. When a team performance was needed, to play as a unit with a singular approach and target, only a portion of the team stepped up. Eastcote, a notoriously predatory side, sniffed out the frailties within the side and converted their chances in a second half in which they dominated. Eastcote found themselves 5-1 up and were cruising to a second win of the season against this MK side.

The forward line of Andy Webb, Dom Tyler and Dave Mac continued to push forward and linked up well together, ably supported by the ever-improving Alex Head and Duracell bunny Mark Chadwick. MK had a goal ruled out from a short corner as the strike from Mark Chadwick took a deflection of his skipper's sole as he jumped out of the way. Andy Webb did manage to grab a consolation shortly after however, finishing finely past the Eastcote keeper.

Special mention to a few of the defenders at the back who put in titanic performances; Ryan Morris and man of the match Rod Murray continually coming to their team's rescue, with the latter twice clearing of the line to preserve some sense of dignity in the scoreline. Justin Pardy also rolled back the years with a much more energetic performance at left half, where he always looked to support at the front and at the back, the sort of attitude that a lot of the team could learn from.

Their were also two green cards in the game. The first for Rod Murray, perhaps harshly, for a stick tackle. The second for Dave Mac for continuous show of passion.

MK must now take a look at themselves in the mirror and make the necessary adjustments in performance and attitude as they potentially have it all to do. With three games remaining, they find themselves perilously close to the bottom of the table, just 4 points ahead. Next week the team travel to Gerrard's Cross, where they are sure to find a tough task on their hands.

FT: MKHC 4s 2 - 5 Eastcote. Man of the Match: Rod Murray

MKHC Men's 5 v Leighton Buzzard Fledglings

Having not played for the best part of 4 weeks, MK were determined to make this a good game of hockey, and it was. With MK pushing forward most, making most of the chances, it looked like a goal was in inevitable. 20 minutes into the first half, Tom Hobbs played the ball across the D for James Cox to get his stick to it, making the score 1-0 to MK. After Half time, MK came back onto the pitch determined to increase the advantage, and that happened 10 minutes in, with Tom Hobbs' shot deflected by the goalkeeper to fall into the path of Ed Soul for the ball to be just tapped off a Leighton stick into the goal. This gave MK confidence, but 10 minutes later, that confidence was tested, when Leighton Buzzard scores just 5 minutes from time. And the confidence was brought crashing down to earth, when a lapse in defence allowed a Leighton player to get a shot away. It was scuffed badly, but just bobbled into the goal with just under a minute to go. Tom Hobbs got a yellow card just before the end, but a point is a point and MK will be pleased with the result.

MKHC Ladies 2s Vs Windsor

The MK side started strong attacking down the right hand side, putting the Windsor side under pressure from the first whistle. MK continued in this fashion with little resistance from the Windsor side for the first few minutes. Windsor then kicked into gear and picked up on a good tackle and put pressure on the MK defence who held out well, with brilliant play from Janet Miller. With some good play from Windsor, MK conceded a goal. MK came out with renewed determination having let a goal slip by them and very quickly after a brilliant shot which was stopped by the body of a Windsor defender were awarded a penalty stroke. Catherine Vince stepped up for the MK side and calmly netted the ball levelling the score. MK played a hard game which Windsor matched and Windsor scored a further two goals before half time bringing the score to 3-1.

After the break MK came out with their A-game and held the Windsor well, with brilliant play from Olivia Curle and Janet Miller. Mk created many chances but failed to put any away. The game finished 3-1, Mk putting on a good performance.
Player of the Match: Janet Miller

MKHC ladies 3's v Oxford 5's

Milton Keynes started slowly as they didn't have much time for warm up. They stood their ground though against the Oxford attack and started to play their game about 15minutes into the first half. There was strong attacking play down both sides from Alex Barnard, Sophie Wombwell, Susan Watkins and Trish O'Rourke. Milton Keynes were rewarded for their patience when Zoe Carter scored after the ball flicked off Susan Watkins stick from a strong pass by Alex Barnard. Goalie Holly Captainino had a strong match making several saves with strong kicks out from her goal line and commanding the defence of Barbara Grove, Emma Hooton, Sue Pardy and Jackie Collins.

Goal 2 came in the second half and was scored by Cat McCullagh after great advantage was played by the umpire as there was a scramble in the D with Laura Rundle, Susan Watkins and Sophie Wombwell. The defence managed to keep the Oxford forwards out despite them being awarded several short corners. Jackie Collins even stopping one with her lip resulting in her needing to leave the field for ice. As Milton Keynes began to tire towards the end of the match Oxford had some possession but were unable to get past the defence. Milton Keynes were pleased with the win after the results of the last few weeks and have a rest next weekend before the final match of the season.

Final score : MK 2-0 Oxford Zoe Carter, Cat McCullagh. MOM: Jackie Collins

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