Badgers Vs Olton & West Warwicks

Yardley Badgers 1 v 1 Olton & West Warwicks

Goal scorer: Zak Dean

This was a very even game, both teams equalled each other out, in very different ways (qualities). Olton played one adult, a very experienced veteran who was their central lynch pin, with play going through him every time. Yardley played two adults but both only 16 and they stayed central defence for most of the game.

Olton played about 7 girls and the home team fielded just 2.

The whole of the Olton team were very organised and structured, whilst Yardley used their strong older players to power through the opposition.

The game was very enjoyable to watch and both teams got good chances in the “D”. The visitors slightly edged it with shots at goal and Jack our keeper made some excellent saves. But Yardley were seeing more possession in the midfield and grew in confidence the more the game went on.

Olton & West Warwick took the lead after ten minutes but Yardley didn't drop their heads and kept playing good passing hockey. Towards the end of the half the rewards for good team work got them the equalizer. A good passing movement starting from the back by Kyle, who passed powerfully and accurate to Ayesha who took the ball down the right wing, dribbling past a defender. She laid the ball to the right winger who crossed to Zak waiting on the back post to slot into the open net with the keeper well and truly beaten.

Buoyed by the equaliser Yardley finished the half very strong and were unfortunate not to produce another goal late in the half.

The visitors regrouped after half time and started very strong in the second half. Jack in Yardley’s goal again had to make three saves and Yardley's shape was again a kilter with no right winger for most of the half. Olton seeing so much space on Yardley right exploited it time and time again. Fortunately the two adults defending Yardley's backline quashed these assaults' on numerous occasions.

As the game wore on Yardley got their second wind and drove powerfully through the middle of the pitch, passing around the defence and moving fluidly towards goal with a lightening pace. This resulted in many short corners but alas no winning goal.

A fair result with both teams playing quality hockey for the full 70 minutes. It was extremely competitive with great tackles and skilled ball control throughout the game.

Another good TEAM performance from Yardley Badgers who all played for each other 100%. Just please keep your team shape which unravels if concentration lapses. Well done players, a home draw against a strong club. Thank you to John Ballard and Zach Jarvis both pitch side encouraging and guiding  the team throughout. Also a big big thank you to Neil Toye who helped with Umpire duties.