Match Report
Match Report - 31 Oct 2009, Aldershot and Farnham Hockey Club Mens 1 beat Southampton University 2
Aldershot & Farnham showed great determination to take three points at home against Southampton Uni 2’s last Saturday.
The students started the brightest in the opening exchanges but some stubborn defence meant there was no way through for them.
As A&F began to break into their stride they became the dominant side and Lee Carter came off the bench and immediately threatened with his skill and pace.
Great tracking back from Matt deSouza saw him intercept a ball in his own 23 metres which enabled A&F to set up a quick break ending in a cross field ball from Carter and a well taken goal by Jonny Groves as he beat the ‘keeper in a one on one with a reverse stick finish.
1-0 up at the break A&F were well set and confident of maintaining their pressure on the students backline. It was not surprising that the Uni came out strongly after the break and after a number of attacks ten minutes in they were able to equalise with a penalty stroke.
Within moments A&F restored their lead. A cute through ball from Ian Metcalfe set Groves away down the right flank. With plenty still to do Groves beat his defender and strained to cut the ball back just before running out of pitch and the hardworking deSouza was able to slot home for a deserved goal.
A&F were passing the ball around smartly with much greater energy and cohesion than in recent weeks but as Carter put in a rather wild tackle, A&F were reduced to ten men with 8 minutes to go and there was a danger A&F may lose their lead again. Great fight from A&F instead saw them extend their lead. A wayward short corner injection from Steve Farrer was recovered and returned by Metcalfe and Farrer accepted his chance.
Aldershot and Farnham Hockey Club Mens 1 3 - 1 Southampton University 2