Men's 2nd Team Vs Bournville 4ths

Bournville 4ths 0 V 2 CoB Men’s 2s

Goalscorers:  Anthony Truelove and Robin Stanley 

Both teams were evenly matched with good open play, technique and disciplined team shape. The visitors slightly edged possession in dangerous areas winning 6/7 penalty corners to the home team's one.

This was possibly the most complete team display by City of Birmingham men’s second team this season with every player working hard as a unit, against a strong Bournville side.

The Captain was a little worried at the start of play as the team had three new signings this week (a new club record, which thanks to fast electronic membership transfers they all became CoBHC members late on Friday evening). The Captain decided to coach from the side whilst Stan captained on the pitch. The Captain’s fears soon dispersed as every new player slotted in brilliantly with the shape and clubs ethos. Fair Play, Good Hockey.

Matt bossed his goal as new keeper and made a few telling diving saves early on to settle his nerves. He had to work much harder in the first half but luckily only had two touches in the second to clear the ball wide out of danger. Andy was our next new player and to say he was voted by his team mates at the end as Man of the Match, should tell you it all. But he played just off the two forwards linking with midfield expertly. He would pick up the ball deep and literally ping the ball to the forwards (he set up the team’s first goal this way). But another string to his bow was his closing of the opposing team with his speed, which gave Bournville no time on the ball. He won tackles and made creative cross field passes. Our final new recruit was Ben, he probably had the hardest job at left back. He had to defend against a very talented young fast attacker whose low centre of gravity caused everyone problems. But Ben did a great job, he listened to advice and produced the flat stick defence against him and shut him out of the game. Ben also tried to push up as a wing back but as Bournville were strong on this side of the pitch he struggled to make advances. Our new recruits slotted into an already strong team and every player gave their all. This started with Stan as sweeper in front of a Ben, Ian and Jahed. Stan had his hardest work out so far this season, linking up midfield and supporting the defence. But he still managed three or four drives into the heart of the home team’s defence dribbling through three or four players then releasing the ball to the waiting attackers with clever short passes. He also scored a pile driver low shot at a penalty corner to make the game 2-0 in the middle of the second half. giving the team some breathing room. Abbasi again was the central midfield play maker, who has given this team quality in important areas with his close stick / ball control, holding up play to settle the team. Ian at centre back had a great game talking to his fellow defence and midfield and I don’t think I saw an attacker get passed him. His tackles giving great protection to the keeper. He also set up the team’s second half goal with an excellent push out from the penalty corner. All seven he pushed out were accurate to Stan with pace. Alongside Ian at right back was Jahed. Not his natural position but he worked hard and stifled numerous attacks from dangerous areas. Unfortunately. Jahed looked a natural in defence but his midfield roll was missed and he will be back at midfield next week. A clean sheet tells it all for the great defence in the visitors’ end. One long range shot did hit the team’s post late in the first half but the team’s resolve was impressive. Helping on the right was Kamran, again more use to the wide left, but he had a fantastic game supporting Jahed as a more defensive right wide player as the home team where strong down this flank. The  Centre-forward,  Anthony again got a timely goal in the first half. He was very proud as it was his first “shot goal” and not just a tap in or a deflected goal. A training day technique Jahed taught him a few months ago. Alan, the ladies’ coach joined us today on a rare occasion as he usually has ladies’ hockey duties but lucky for us he was available and had a good game. Showing the other forwards how to keep possession and frustrate the home team eager to get a foothold in the final ten minutes. He received the ball in the wide left position, controlled the ball and turned to attack his close marker which he did with aplomb. Great stick skills which helped deflate the home team’s ambitions.

Next week, home to Finchfield. Hopefully, players unavailable this week can re-join the squad to give us an even stronger team.