Hockey Match report 13 Mar Stratford 3rd XI

Match report Hockey

Stratford 3^rd XI vs Kings Heath

Stratford at home.

Result Stratford 6 – Kings Heath 4

Stratford faced Kings Heath this Saturday, in what was sure to be a mid-table clash to remember. Kings Heath turned up with a depleted side, whereas Stratford had their strongest side out for the first time this half of the season. Despite this, Kings Heath took the lead against a sleeping Stratford and the visitors found themselves 3 goals up after only 15 minutes. Stratford's captain McBride make an inspirational tactical change which proved key to Stratford's performance, for almost instantly the home side were looking more structured and attacked to reduce the deficit. The rejuvenated defence marshalled by the sprightly Ainscough helped Stratford bring the score to a more attainable 3-2 at the half way mark. After the break Stratford came out all with sharpened darts, as Phil "the power" Davey converted a superbly taken ball in from Black to bring the game back into Stratford's control. Coache's trademark runs on the right flank ripping the Kings Heath defence apart, with the resultant cross's finding the net from Coldridge on two occasions. Townsin's relentless left mid battling put paid to Kings Heath's attacking midfield, and Bird's non stop movement in the pivot gave Stratford the all important structure. Whetstone, Austin and Miles all quashing the visitors strikers with prowess. All this added to a great spirited win for Stratford finishing 6-4, only marred by Kings Heath's bickering with the umpires resulting in them receiving two yellow cards and an early end to the game.