Badgers Vs Solihull Blossomfield

Both teams were well matched and all the youngsters played competitive hockey for 70 minutes. Solihull probably had the better chances and tested our keeper Jack the most. Yardley had four youngsters who played in a game prior to this one, helping the second team either in the team or playing for Kidderminster 1st’s. This may have contributed to some tired legs late into the game.

Each team passed the ball well but Solihull made more space for themselves off the ball, in positions all over the pitch. It enabled the player on the ball a simple pass option 90% of the time. Our team tried hard to work the ball but were closed down quickly and had no simple pass option. Yardley worked hard and the team camaraderie was strong. The more positive side of our game was our strong solo runs with the ball up into the opponents half by most of the midfield and defence. Ubaydah was the most prominent; time and again he cut swathes through the visitors’ team charging forward. Both teams fielded an adult in defence and they both defended from the back guiding the young players around them to build their confidence. It restricted the chances both team had to score and cancelled each other out into a nil nil draw.

It was a strong performance from the Yardley Badgers. All the players should be proud. It’s a squad that has a wide age range and skill level, but they all pulled together as a team. With no substitutes, they had to work hard and expectedly got tired towards the end. A draw was an improvement on last time out, as we lost 1-0 on our travels last year at their place.