Men's 1st Team Vs Wolverhampton

WOLVERHAMPTON    3      YARDLEY    0

Having to make a couple of changes to their line-up Yardley might have been forgiven for not looking forward to having to travel to play this Warwick Printing MRHA Hockey League, West Midlands Division 1 game.

However, as it turned out, and as has been pleasing over the last couple of weeks, once Yardley had settled into their game they made their hosts work hard for their points.  Forced into several positional changes, Yardley took some time to settle into their task. Wolverhampton’s fast interchanging play was not easy for the visitors to deal with. Pinned into their own half, Yardley showed plenty of spirit as they weathered the storm. Keeper Neal Makepeace was called upon to make some well-judged saves. The defence, well marshalled by Matthew Bartlett, held out until the pressure eventually told. A well-hit shot found the bottom corner to give the hosts the lead. Several short corners were forced but two more goals from open play were scored before half-time. In reply, Yardley’s Robin Stanley went close as he muscled his way into the D.

As it happened, the second half told a very different story. Yardley constructed some much better moves going forward with Zachariyya Asif and Jabran Mir combining well along the right flank. Several chances were created but unfortunately not converted. Alex Makepeace and Usamah Iqbal worked tirelessly in breaking up the Wolves’ attacks, relieving the pressure on the back line and the keeper. All of Yardley’s youngsters, including Noah Jarvis and Ubaydah Iqbal were also really playing well.

A game of two halves. Wolverhampton might well have had the game won by half time but as in recent weeks, Yardley’s youngsters showed plenty of resolve and plenty of positive spirit in not giving up. This week Yardley entertain Evesham.