Men's 1st Team Vs Redditch 2

Redditch M2s 0-2 CoBHC M1s

Goal scorers: Jeevan Chagger, Alex Makepeace

CoB M1s travelled away to Redditch in their first away game of the season. In spite of Neal returning in goal, there were still 5 notable absences to the matchday squad, resulting in Munib and Troy being drafted in to make their CoB M1 debuts. The game started off brightly with both teams enjoying early possession. Junaid and Abrar on the flanks enjoyed much possession. They threatened the home side, with crosses flying in for Noor who did the best he could with multiple attempts. A drive on the by-line and cross from Junaid in the D found its way into the net, but after deliberation from the umpires, no goal was awarded, much to the confusion of some players on both teams. CoB took a hold of the game with Troy, Sohail and Akib distributing the ball well from defence, Ash, Jeevan and Alex in midfield creating the space to cut open the home team’s defensive line. A clear short corner won by Jeevan saw Alex's drag flick palmed into Noor’s path who instinctively took a shot, hitting a player on the line, before Jeevan crashed the ball home to open the scoring. 

The visitors would find the back of the net another two times, for these to again be ruled out by infringements in the build-up and further umpire deliberation. Abrar was gifted a golden opportunity striking the ball well from the top of the circle, on for Jeevan, ducking on the line, to leave his stick up high and to see the ball sail 80m away from the pitch towards the cricket pavilion. Late on. Abrar saw a Green card when he was unable to prevent himself from colliding with a player.

During the break, joy and frustration and a noticeable drift in the middle of the park which raised concerns of home attacks. Second half and foot on the gas again, Alex and Ash taking control of the midfield. Noor saw himself given a Green and then a 10 minute yellow for an off the ball infringement. This disruption saw the visitors lose their shape slightly, but recovering well to mount pressure on the home side. A few quick short corners were won and a blazing run from open play saw Alex round the keeper and slot home the second. A final chance went amiss, Jeevan deflecting a pass to Munib whose shot was neatly saved by the keeper.

Next week the M1s are away at Kings Heath M1s in a lunchtime match