15/11/14: Following a strong team performance and win against South Glos. A during the weekend previous, the Men’s 2nds went into this game full of confidence and a determination to complete their first set of back-to-back victories of the 2014/15 season. With much history between the two clubs, it was always going to be an interesting tie and judging by the players who arrived pitch-side just before 12, the team knew that they would have to work their socks off to get a positive result.
During the inspired team talk by the team captain, Paul Woolway, it became apparent that Mendip would be playing with just the bare 11. The game started positively for the home side who were first to test the opposition keeper. However, despite the early pressure, nothing came of it and it was Barry Sewell who was next to make some important stops.
Then, around midway through the first-half, the deadline was broken by Chris Hampshire who slotted in past the Firebrands keeper, who by this time was becoming frustratingly hard to beat. So, it was a huge relief to the team to go ahead and rightly deserved. The home side continued to press after this goal, using Will Holmes and James England on the wings to stretch the opposition. This tactic eventually paid off as Paul Woolway scored a cheeky reverse shot from the edge of the circle. A third goal followed shortly, scored by Mark Weston as the ball was again played into the D from a wide position.
This meant that the 2nds went into half-time 3-0 up and pretty happy with their performance, although it would be wrong to completely write off the opposition at this point. With a team containing lots of experience, it was important for the A’s not to get complacent and therefore retaining focus was a must.
The second-half started and for the first 10 minutes or so, things continued as they had done at the end of the first half, as Mendip controlled the game and limited the opportunities available to Firebrands. However, eventually Firebrands managed to squeeze the ball in, with one of their attackers hitting the ball down from in the air.
At this point, nerves could have crept in. But, not for the 2nds, who were still carrying a lot of confidence from earlier play and goals. There was no doubt that the next goal would be crucial and thankfully for Mendip, it came from a yellow shirted player, with Chris Hampshire getting his second goal of the game.
This pretty much killed the game and by this point Mendip had gathered full control of the game with Austin Sage, Paul Woolway and Karl Birk making crucial tackles at the back. The midfield were also linking well, with Keelan Shearn and Nick Pang running their socks off (for Pang even despite having a hangover!!) and being given the options out wide by James and Will.
The fifth goal was scored through both skill and determination. Nick Pang sent an aerial ball up-pitch from the halfway line to Chris Hampshire who received and turned his defender with pace. All that was left for him to do was to cross the ball towards the back post where a determined, sprinting and sliding Will Holmes had the pleasure to direct in for his first goal of the season! A lovely piece of hockey and a pleasure to watch from the defence!
The final piece of the goal action came from a penalty flick. Awarded for an inappropriate prevention of a goal, it was Chris Hampshire who was given the opportunity to get his hat-trick. Having not taken a competitive P-Flick before, there was no telling what was going to happen next! But, there should’ve never been any doubt, as Chris placed the ball with pace to the keeper’s right.
Shortly after, the final whistle went and Mendip A could reflect on a very strong performance and look ahead to the upcoming fixtures before Christmas with confidence. There’s no doubt that the team is continuing to improve and will be looking to finish in a much stronger position than last season.
As of writing this, we are currently positioned in 5th.
Thanks go to Vicky Parfitt and Hayley Young for umpiring the match!
The Team: Barry Sewell, Mike Bristowe, Austin Sage, Karl Birk, Paul Woolway (capt), Nick Pang, Keelan Shearn, James England, Will Holmes, Mark Weston, Chris Hampshire.
Mike Bristowe
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