Men's 1st Team Vs Pershore

After three weeks’ non-action, Yardley had high hopes of starting the second half of the league campaign positively.

However, just five minutes into this Warwick Printing MRHA Hockey League, West Midlands 1, their game turned in the most unfortunate manner.

After a fairly even start with both teams settling into their stride, Yardley were beginning to show some promise. This bright start was brought to a juddering halt when Pershore’s first threatening attack along their right wing was thwarted by birthday-boy Alex Makepeace’s attempt to put in a tackle. Unfortunately, in the process, he incurred a head injury that resulted in him leaving the pitch, needing hospital treatment for some stiches. With no substitutes on the side, Yardley had to carry on with just ten players.

Pershore seized their opportunity and soon began to boss the game, moving the ball about threateningly . However, their first attempt on goal, from a short corner, was well saved. Although they kept manfully seizing any opportunity that came their way, Yardley were increasingly fighting a rear-guard action. It was not long before Pershore’s confident build up play began to pay dividends and the goals to go in. By half-time it was 4-0 with the game just about won.

Pershore started the second half in much the same positive way, but Yardley were sticking to their task well, with all defenders and in particular, keeper, Neal Makepeace, performing heroics to keep the visitors’ attackers at bay. Another goal went in before life became even more difficult for the home side. Defender, Gavin Hetherington, began a surging run out of defence but on reaching half-way pulled up with a leg injury. After another delay, he too was forced off. So, now, nine-man Yardley dug in to prevent an avalanche of goals. However, Pershore were only able to score twice more,  but also put quite a few chances wide.

To their great credit, Yardley had the last say in this eventful game. After a rare attack, Yardley were able to force a short corner from which Noor Zaman was able to put in a firm shot that gave the keeper no chance.

Although Pershore enjoyed an easy win in the end, Yardley were left wondering what might have happened if things had not conspired so cruelly against them. Next week Yardley visit Redditch.