Men's 1st Team Vs Evesham

Last week-end, Yardley played two fixtures in the Warwick Printing Hockey League, West Midlands Division 1, with mixed fortunes.

On Saturday, playing at home against Evesham, Yardley will be disappointed not to have claimed all three points, putting  in a most determined performance. Starting off well the home team took the game to their opponents and did not give them much time to settle. Enjoying most of the midfield possession Yardley pushed forward at every opportunity, but unable to make the most of their chances.  Evesham were limited in their attacking play at this stage, being well held by a resolute defence. It was not until almost half time that either side earned their first short corner. No  advantage could  taken from these situations and so it remained honours even at half time, in spite of the home side’s domination of most of the play so far.

At the start of the second period, the visitors tried hard to step up a gear but again Yardley’s defence held form, well marshalled by Gavin Hetherington who made many timely interceptions and helped his side with several surging runs forward to help set up further chances for his side.

A rare Evesham attack forced the Yardley keeper, Neal Makepeace into a fine clearing save. Another of Yardley’s youngsters, Jordan McGuigan was making several good runs down the right flank and sending in some good crosses. It upset Yardley’s rhythm somewhat when he was injured and after a lengthy stoppage had to be taken off.  Luckily a substitute was available to keep the team at full strength. However, as the game entered its final stages, it was the visitors who edged in front when a hopeful ball into the D was well met by a forward who simply helped the ball on its way into the goal.

In the past this might have been the signal for a leakage of more goals, but Yardley are made of sterner stuff these days. In a spirited attempt to get back into the game, and with Skipper Zach Jarvis  claiming an assist,  as he sent a  hopeful ball came in from the right to find top scorer Noor Zaman unmarked and able to send an unremarkable attempt over the line to level the scores.

The final stages saw both teams try to snatch a winner. Yardley came close on a couple of occasions but in the end the points were shared. Yardley’s young side put in a most enthusiastic effort that almost brought what would have been a deserved reward.

On Sunday Yardley travelled to promotion hopefuls, Leamington to catch up on a game snowed off the previous week. It proved to be another encouraging performance from this young side, who can feel justly pleased to have held the home team to just two goals. Yardley were never overawed by their opponents and took the game to their hosts at every opportunity. Both teams created chances but it was the home side that made a couple count, one in each half, to claim three hard-fought points.

This will give Yardley’s  team much confidence as they travel to bottom team Barlaston this week.