Men's 1st Team Vs Worcester 5ths

City of Birmingham Men’s 1sts   4  v  0 Worcester 5ths

Goalscorers: Abrar Baig 2,  Ash Baig 2

This was the first adult hockey game on the newly re-surfaced Small Heath Wellbeing. Indeed, the new pitch looked in great condition as the teams lined up at the start of the game.

CoB pressed right from the start creating many chances with without success as the visitors’ defence held firm, showing all their wily experience.  For most of the first half, the home side were largely in control but seemingly unable to press home their advantage. Eventually, mid-way though the half the home side managed to get the break-through their efforts promised. Yet another forward movement saw the ball put through into the D and was guided in by the alert Abrar Baig. CoB continued their creative forward play but were unable to add to their tally. Ash saw a great chance well saved by the Worcester keeper. Skipper Alex had a shot hit the base of the post and rebound away.

Worcester’s efforts on attack were few and far between and any threats were dealt with by the home defence. Both Scott and David were particularly confident in whatever they had to deal with and were also instrumental in moving up forward and helping to set up further attacks. On one rare attack, Worcester were able to force a short corner but Neal dealt confidently with the shot on goal.

Nearing the latter stages of the half, another good move saw Jeevan put in a cross which gave Ash a straight-forward chance to double the lead before the break.

The second half began in much the same way as the first. Ash was making several probing moves up-field through the centre. Most of CoB’s play seemed to be mainly through the middle with little being spread out to the wings. However, the ploy seemed to work as Abrar surged forward and put in a cross for his brother Ash to meet with a diving effort to direct the ball into net his second and the team’s third.

Worcester managed to string together a few more forward moves but most went begging or were well dealt with the home defence with Alex dropping back to help out.

Jeevan had a shot saved and Junaid went close with further efforts before CoB’s fourth goal was put away by Abrar

So, in the end, a convincing win on paper and a fifth consecutive clean sheet, so it seems unfair to be too critical on a team that keeps on producing the goods in the end.