Ashford Scorers:
James Webber PC 65 mins
Following on for the success of last weekend we were hoping to further our winning streak against the team from Richmond. On paper it was difficult to predict who would win and by how much by nevertheless we knew that we were in with more than a chance. We had a game plan, now all we had to do was to stick with to pull off the win and take the points.
Despite the fact that is only early in the season we have experienced a number of disruptions. A number of players have been injured and others are unavailable for a number of reasons. In typical style we have come together as a unit and managed to present a united front each week. A number of the more “senior” players have made their return to first grade and proved that experiences speaks loudly, very loudly.
The first provided both teams with multiple attacking opportunities, but neither side was able to capitalise. Throughout the first 15 minutes of the first half Richmond seemed to control most of the ball as the Ashford boys seemed in a rush to penetrate the circle and create a scoring opportunity. It was not until the latter stages of the first half that Ashford regained control of the match and create a number of scoring opportunities. Unfortunately none of which were successful.
Strangely enough the first half only saw one penalty corner awarded, despite the fact that both teams clearly believed that many more should have been called. The sole penalty corner attempt went the way of the opposition, but thankfully they were unsuccessful.
As usual halftime provided the red and black with a chance to rest, review and revise the game plan. The solution was simple. Play smart, not fancy, just plain and simple hockey. Get possession of the ball and hold on to it. The gaps would appear and the opportunities would come.
The second half saw a refreshed Ashford take control of the match and dictate the play. The defence was strong, reducing the circle penetrations of the opposition and the forwards worked tirelessly trying to get a penalty corner. For reasons unbeknown to all the penalty corners continued to be scarce, almost nonexistent. Nevertheless, the red and black soldiered on.
Unfortunately, after nearly 50 minutes of hockey the scorers were bothered for the first time in the match when Richmond scored a runaway goal against the run of play. Following a controversial decision, Richmond were given inside our defensive half and managed to slip through our usually tight defensive line.
Ashford continued to work tirelessly for the last 20 minutes of the match and were unlucky to not score one of the several scoring opportunities we created. All the boys rallied hard in an attempt to prevent the loss and save a draw. Our efforts were rewarded in the 65th minute when James Webber scored a brilliant penalty corner. The final 5 minutes of the match were scrappy as both teams tried, in vain, to salvage a win.
Definitely not the most elegant game of hockey and obviously not the most desirable of outcomes. What this game did show us was that we are capable of rallying as a team and producing goals when the pressure is on.
