Men's 1st Team Vs Old Halesonians 3

Old Halesonians 3rds 1-1 Yardley 1stXI

Goal scorer: Kyle Letts

This proved to be an  evenly matched game where Yardley  soaked up much pressure, but did well to secure a draw to take away a point.

Yardley 1stXI travelled away to Old Halesonians for a late morning fixture. Old Hales got the game underway, playing the ball across the field well, putting together a string of passes to threaten the Yardley defence. Mat, Ed and Paul started off at the back, with Mat soaking up the pressure well, forcing error by the opposition and making crucial interceptions.

Yardley did not enjoy much luck in the opening 15 minutes, each attack breaking down and quickly turning into a defence. Zach and Noah combined well with a series of passes threatening the goal, only for the attack to be put wide. Ed and Alex linked with Kyle on the right to offer some more hope, but Old Hales were resolute and compact, making it difficult to get into the “D”. Neal Makepeace in goal, was called upon several times to make some close range saves to keep the visitors in the game.  At Half time. the scores were level.

At the start of the second half Yardley were immediately under pressure, conceding a short corner. Again, Makepeace in goal made great efforts to keep the scores 0-0. Old Hales took the lead shortly after. Open play leading to a goal at the far post. Yardley looked to press and continue, Zach and Alex combining to play Kyle into the game. Old Hales were awarded a penalty flick, a third flick conceded in three games, Neal keeping low to make an easy save. Tahir and Noor caused some chaos in the Old Hales 23 yard box, Jeevan linking well at times, but much the same as the first half with attacks breaking down. Noor would go onto make a run to receive the ball, playing the ball across the goal for Kyle to slide in at the back post to clinch his first ever 1stXI goal and a deserved equalizer. The game finished with  a short corner for Old Hales who were unable to clinch victory.

Neal Makepeace was voted Man of the Match for his sterling performance.

Next week Yardley 1stXI are at home to Solihull Blossomfield