FW: Match report Hockey

Stratford 1st team Match report

Gordon Wright

>
> West Midlands Premier Division
>
> Stratford 0 v 2 West Bromwich
>
> After suffering a first defeat of the season last time out, Stratford's
> promotion hopes remained in their own hands when welcoming bottom of the
> table West Bromwich to Stratford High School.
>
> Missing several key players due to injury and unavailability, the home
> side needed to bounce back from the 3-0 defeat suffered at Shrewbury when
> once again under strength, but despite enjoying the major share of
> territory and possession, the disciplined visitors staged something of a
> smash and grab raid and secured three points which gives them hope of
> avoiding relegation.
>
> The first five minutes encapsulated the story of the game with bright
> Stratford approach play freeing up James Brookes one-on-one with the West
> Brom 'keeper. Brookes attempted to chip the 'keeper only to see his
> effort tipped to safety. It was to be the first of a number of fine
> saves.
>
> One minute later and a fast counter-attack from West Brom saw them rip
> through the Stratford defence and only a lack of composure in front of
> goal and soem desparate defending kept the sides level.
>
> Throughout the game, Stratford created regular chances from open play,
> whilst also threatening from half a dozen short corners. Brookes, Leary,
> Ricketts, McKee, Guise and Howkins mnight all have scored on different
> days but the West Brom goalkeeper produced numerous excellent saves,
> displaying quick reflexes and enjoying the occasional slice of luck in
> securing a first clean sheet of the season.
>
> Unsurprisingly, the visitors relied on massed defensive ranks from the off
> to limit the home team's goalscoring threat, but their structured approach
> to the game paid dividens when they seized on a Stratford error to break
> quickly midway through the first half and take the lead.
>
> A near duplicate break in the second half again saw Stratford
> over-committed in attack and an exposed Martin Helliker in the home goal
> was unable to prevent the visitors doubling their advantage.
>
> Despite laying seige to the West Brom goal and camping almost exclusively
> in the West Brom half, Stratford were unable to rescue the game and now
> find themselves four points off the promotion pace with four games to
> play. Given Stratford still have both promotion rivals to play, there
> remains hope of Midlands 1 hockey next season. However, anything less
> than a win this Saturday away at top of the table Wolverhampton will mean
> a season which promised much will be one of rpogress only and not
> promotion.
>
>
> Hope this is okay ?
>
>
> Cheers
> Andy
>
>
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