Badgers Vs Hampton in Arden

Hampton Badgers 1 - 1 Yardley Badgers

Our Goalscorer Islam Islam.

 Our Badgers away game at Hampton in Arden was competitive and very entertaining for the whole 70 minutes. Both teams were playing skilful hockey with good quality passing and excellent dribbling skills.

Yardley edged the first half and deserved the 1-0 lead, but as tiredness kicked in during the second half, the home team commanded and Yardley had to defend for long periods. Unfortunately, the equaliser came quickly in the second half and this buoyed the home team. Yardley never gave up though and caught Hampton on the break on numerous occasions in this half.

Islam's first half goal was a classic sweep in, near the penalty spot after a powerful cross from the right.

Yardley travelled  away with fifteen squad players is very promising for our Badgers’ future.

Paul the team Captain was supported by Club Chairman on this occasion and Jeevan organised the rolling subs and team formation. The formation encompassed every player, so no one got isolated or got bored.

Both teams were very even but Yardley fielded adults. Anthony our keeper controlled his "D" and kept the defence organised. Muhammad our second adult was the central defender and he swept up any dangers with strength and finesse.

His left and right backs were the "ever present" Jack and Edan who spread the play well, getting the wingers into play on numerous occasions. The confidence they are building up each week is brilliant with great tackles and runs from defence were timed to perfection.

The midfield was constantly rotated with Barakah, Aeysha, Zak and Islam orchestrating good positional play, strong tackling and good drives with the ball. The supporting midfielders of Youseff   ( a new debutante), Emily and Sami contributed throughout the game and strengthened our team with good passes and great runs.

The forwards of Thomas, Evie and Henry were Yardley's first line of defence putting the home team defenders under pressure when they had the ball, forcing them into errors and winning possession for the team. They also held their positions with good intelligence and moved quickly into dangerous positions when the Yardley wingers broke down the wings, waiting for the incoming crosses.

All three had shots on goal, getting close on numerous occasions, as did Barakah, Emily, Islam and Zak.

The exciting and competitive play was very positive and the teams’ enthusiasm rubbed off onto the parents and coaches who were supporting the team with loud cheers and claps showing their pride in the good performance from every player. All the players got involved and showed no fear in the brave positive play and everyone enjoyed the great team effort. A great result to begin a two-week rest break due to the school holidays. Next game is away to Old Sils on 10th Nov, so, enjoy the holidays and well done to all the players.

 Report by Paul Jarvis.