Ashford (Middlesex) Hockey Club

MENS 1st XI. Thursday 22nd Home vs Amersham & Chalfont, won 2-1. Saturday 24th away to Barnes, 1-1

After a heavy defeat the previous weekend, the ‘Ford recovered well and ended their five match pre-season programme with a home win and an away draw.

They had beaten midweek visitors to the Lane, Amersham & Chalfont 5-0 in their opening practice fixture and when Chris Bolton opened the scoring after ten minutes and Ryan Holland won a penalty stroke shortly afterwards a similar score looked on the cards. However, Holland after put the stroke high, wide and not very handsome. A & C broke away and were contentiously awarded a similar award which was converted to give the visitors and equaliser they did not deserve. Instead of holding the comfortable lead that their slick hockey merited, the’ Ford changed ends level. More flowing hockey followed in the second half and eventually Bolton netted his second for a morale boosting 2-1 win.

On Saturday, the ‘Ford travelled to meet Barnes, also relegated from South Premier 2 last season and welcomed back Andy Barnes, Jas Nijhar, Matt Emmerton, Elliott Symes and new recruit from the north west, Andy Tunna and for once fielded something approaching a full strength side. Alex Betts set the tone with a fine penetrating run down the left and the ‘Ford dominated the early exchanges with some neat, patient hockey. So, the away fans must have thought it was deja-vu all over again when Barnes capitalised on a slack pass into midfield and scored with a shot that really should have been saved. However, unlike so often in the past couple of seasons the floodgates did not open and the ‘Ford defence held firm.

They actually dominated the second half, scored a fine equlaiser through Jas Nijhar and went close on several more occasions.

The league season starts next week and after an encouraging pre-season and several new players, things do not look quite so bleak for the men in black. Current fitness level need to be improved but for once the light at the end of a tunnel may not be an oncoming locomotive.

Ladies 1/2s Home to Brunel University, won 3-0

Ashford Ladies opened their preseason games with a 1/2s squad facing the students from Brunel University. In the midst of University ladies was home grown talent Kelly Taylor! But we moved on the game. Ashford dominated the first half, with Nicky Benedict, Clare Emmerton and Club Captain Emma Hynes controlling the midfield, and Sophie Smart, Tracey Holland and Captain Jacqui Bashford (returning from injury) easily repelling the few student attacks that did make it through the midfield. However, with Maria Cavilla back from a season out with injury, Ashford were in charge up front, with positive play from Gillian Clegg and youngster Rasna sending them into half time 2-0 up. Brunel’s coach clearly had words in the half time talk, and they reemerged more determimed and came back in to the game, creating chances which Ashford kept out thanks to young Chris Taylor standing in to help out the ladies at the last minute. Not much sibling rivalry there Ashford went on to win a number of short corners, but on this occaision failed to convert them. There were a few more near misses from the Ashford forwards before Cavilla clinched the game with her hat trick goal.

Young goalkeeping talent Chris Taylor proved to be a shining light in an otherwise dreary affair. His stubborn resistance between the sticks kept the scoreline reasonably respectable – one particular save saw a solid block from a stinging effort, followed immediately by ‘the splits’ and then the balance and foresight to fling his free hand round behind his body and flick the ball away from between his legs. Some things, it seems, are impossible to teach. Last and by no means least, Ashford’s team included three talented young lads from a local school who demonstrated both aptitude and considerable promise. Hopefully, as Ashford looks to cement its links with surrounding schools, their presence will set a precedent for new young players joining the club.

Ashford IV & Vs  1 – 3  Staines Veterans
(17^th September, 2011)

 This week’s pre-season friendly between two local rivals saw a combined team of 4^th and 5^th XI Ashford players narrowly defeated by a team of hockey veterans from Staines. In a game that dashing debutant captain Shane Smith used to gauge his potential line-up for the new season and trial a new formation – a daring attempt, in case you were wondering, to flood the midfield when defending and encourage ball retention, width and pace in attack – Ashford were unfortunate to come up against a team of, for the most part, technically superior players, many of whom had, in their glory days, played at a higher level than Ashford’s predominantly youthful squad. Staines’ experience and guile would serve them well throughout the match, but it was Ashford who started the strongest; their energy from the off putting their visitors under consistent pressure and breaking with pace from midfield. Indeed, Ashford were the first to score: persistent and aggressive hounding by their captain led him to steal possession near the opposition byline before breaking into the ‘D’ and cutting the ball back for fellow debutant Sam Betts to finish with a calm confidence that defied his tender age.

For the most part the new tactical plan paid dividends and, aside from a soft goal at the beginning of the second half, Ashford only conceded when they lost their shape. In retrospect, this was the result of a lack of physical fitness leading to mental fatigue and the unfamiliarity of a new formation. One would expect both fitness and tactical awareness to increase tenfold as the season progresses, making this weekend’s loss no cause for immediate concern. In fact there are plenty of positives for Ashford to take from the game and, in particular, they demonstrated an encouraging blend of astute experience and youthful vigour.

If you’d like to try your hand at hockey or perhaps take up your stick again after a period away from the game, Ashford Hockey Club has the facilities and personnel to offer a welcoming and stimulating environment in which to fulfil your social and sporting needs. Please feel free to contact Club President Lynne Morgan (president@ashfordhockeyclub.co.uk), or simply turn up to Men’s training on a Tuesday night.

Shane Smith, 4^th XI Captain.

Ashford’s programme of pre-season matches continued with a midweek fixture under the lights at the Lane against Henley and a trip to play the second string of England Hockey Leaguers, Wimbledon.

Missing several key players, Ashford put together a series of dazzling moves against Henley but could not find the finishing touch until Elliott Symes popped up at the far post with five minutes left. It was really only a consolation as by then, Henley had made the most of their limited number of chances and were leading 3-0 .

‘Ashford will be kicking off the 2011-2012 season with our club day tournament on Saturday 3rd September. Meeting at 1pm for registration, we’ll be holding a mixed team, mixed ability tournament! Exact team size dependent upon numbers, but usually around 6-7 aside playing on half a pitch…a more gentle reintroduction into the game . Games should start at 1.30pm. Alongside the tournament, we’ll also be hoping for sunshine as we get out the BBQ and to have some social beers. If you are definitely able to make it or are hoping to, please let us know to aid catering. Should you know someone interested in playing hockey for Ashford, this is a great chance to come and meet us…so bring them along! Hope to see you there, Hynes, Lucy, Wendy & Cole’.

The Men’s summer league matches have started with four external teams and Ashford A and B sides taking part. A fixture list is posted on the Notice Board and please contact Peter Greatorex if you are interested in playing.

Ashford have two teams (A & B!) playing in their own Ladies summer league being run at Short Lane on Tuesday, Wednesday and Thursday evenings until July. Four other Clubs are involved and there are two divisions, with the winners and runners up of each division playing off in a final with a trophy for the A Division winnersa nd awards for the Division 2 winners. Matches start at 7.15 pm prompt, are 30 mins each way only and players of all abilities are welcome, please contact Lynne on president@ashfordhockeyclub.co.uk for further information. Come on U Red & Blacks.

Nuggets of good news across the last 2 weeks…the 4′s gave themselves a reasonable chance of staying up by beating Maidenhead Magicians 3 goals to 2,  a late goal by Big Ad gave us the points, believe Shane and Adam got the others. The 5′s won this week beating Amersham & Chalfont 4-1, Jonathan from Luxembourg guested and scored from 1 yard (as ever) from a mis-hit shot by Ram who managed not to get sent off this week – and the 5′s have now won 4 games and sit in the lofty climes of lower middle! The 3′s played the league leaders and almost certain champions, OMT’s, last week and played some really good stuff. We really should have scored to make it 2-1 but didn’t and they got a late goal but a good performance and game. This week, they got a welcome point against City of Oxford who equalised in the last minute, mind you, we went in the lead with 3 mins to go from a MattSam p-flick.  He was going for top left, cocked it up and it dribbled along – fortunately the keeper had dived athletically to his right and could only watch the ball creep over the line! The 2′s had a really good game against Maidenhead 2′s equalising from an overtime short corner at the end of the first half, Gordo playing his first game in the 2′s for 13/14 years deflected it in and got very very excited! When Karan scored from close range, we were in Nirvana but a soft equaliser put the home teams tails up and they eventually won 4-2 but considering we wonly had 4 2nd team players, we should be both pleased with our performance as well as disappointed with the result.

The hardy Boys u10′s jetted off to the exotic climes of Wimbledon for an early start – though hardy boys were thin on the ground and 4 of our girls (Jess Jacob, Steph Botwell, Amber O as goalie and Emily Bashford) and their parents were good enough to help us out and ensure all had a good if bracing day’s hockey. We had 3 games and lost the first to Wimbledon 1-0 as we got the journey out of our legs, Nathan Bridger played particularly well. The second game against the home side we were much better and dominated the game – a lovely move involving Nathan, Reece (who had a very strong game in midfield) and a James Bashford cross/shot set up Nathan for the winner. We then played Trinity who were a good team and big with it though their best player was a young girl and they were a bit too strong for us and we lost 2-0. All in all a good effort by a young team, all bar one can play next season..

The ones continue to play some decent hockey but need to achieve more from their periods of fluency and pressure. Lewes made us pay and although they deserved to win, 4-1 (our goal from a The Lip drag-flick) was harsh.

The important thing about the 2’s was they won and 3 more points away from the bottom 3, the performance though left a lot to be desired (according to my unnamed Podge-like source) against a 10-man GX side that were deservedly 1-up at the break. Karan and I believe Jas scored the goals.

The 3’s Gordon Bennett if you are squeamish, look away now, I wish I had cos I watched the whole thing as we conspired to hand GX 2’s their first and almost certainly only points this season. I almost hope we were bribed to lose…all we can do is ensure we learn from the game and apply the lessons to this coming week. We are playing Leighton Buzzard who are just above us so I will hopefully be a happier bunny next week.

The 4’s did very well against the top team in the league, Brunel University who are leagues below where they should be. They breezed into a 3-0 lead before a nice move involving Jim B, me and Chris Lunn set up Shane Smith who still had a bit to do but reverse-sticked home. Soon after, a similar nice team move gave Adesh a chance and his zippy flick was clawed away brilliantly by their keeper. 2^nd half we were under a lot of pressure but coped very well with it, Doggers did very well but Dom Hillman had a barnstormer (?)of a game, absolutely fantastic…and it was a real team achievement to keep it at 3-1…

Again 5’s played well against a decent Marlow team and lost 4-0 – good to Mark Bell back in action Ding Dong!!!

Looking for silver linings in cloud this week – nul points for the boys. Sir Alex (2) and Rhino got the goals and we equalised twice but loose defence allowed Tulse Hill to score 5. The 2’s were plucky but lost 3-0 to a useful MK Dons 2’s.

The 3’s oh dear it was going so well…we finished the first half 2-1 up against Phoenix & Ranelagh, just about deserved it with a Big Amit whack and the same with a  Gordo deflection and gratifying to see some creative forward play and pressure with Dave Merchant impressing and great to see Dawson scaring their defenders again! Then did I say oh dear? In 5/6 minutes we conceded 2 goals that are hard to describe without me getting tearful and the guilty need to be protected (well, it must be worth a pint if I do)…anyway 3-2 down and the oppo had their tails up and we were a bit deflated, then we conceded another poor goal and then chased the game and got caught on the break for no 5 and then Carl scored near the end and yes we lost and time to move on, nothing to see, onwards and upwards etc etc

The 4’s were plucky too and really competed against Eastcote and were un-plucky to lose 3-1, goal from ????????? 5’s were up against the Wycombe whippersnappers and it was all a bit too much and we didn’t score any and they scored more than that!

Ladies League Hockey 29/1/11
Middlesex Premier

HAMPSTEAD & WESTMINSTER 3rd XI 3 v ASHFORD 1st XI 0
Ashford Ladies first team travelled with almost a full squad to Paddington on Saturday to face second in the league side Hampstead & Westminster third’s. In bitterly cold lunch time conditions, the Red & Blacks struggled to cope with both the slightly bouncy water based, astro turf pitch and the very fit and skill full opposition; who were a much improved side to the one Ashford faced in the first part of the season. A well taken goal from open play saw Hampstead & Westminster take the lead fairly early in the game and midway through the first half, they added another via a reverse sweep goal to leave Ashford 2-0 down. The Red & Blacks had started to settle though and adapted well to the pitch and brought themselves much more into the game. Despite Ashford playing some good hockey, they were unable to find the back of the net even though they executed some well worked short corners and stronger moves in open play. They thus went into the interval trailing 2-0.

A very inspiring team talk by Ashford coach JEREMY CLARKE and a change of formation back to the diamond format in mid field saw the Red & Blacks come out and play much better in the second half. They started to control their game and the play a lot more, and a fine KIM DOWNS shot hit the post and unluckily bounced back into open play rather than into the back of the net. They gained a few more short corners, but they didn’t flow as smoothly as last week’s ones. The ever trying KIM DOWNS was the thwarted by the Hampstead & Westminster keeper when she was set free in a breakaway one to one situation. Ashford kept going as a team though, but a further good goal by the fit and fast home team from open play made the score a slightly unjustified 3-0. Ashford battled on gamely with player of the match HOLLY BUSBY and her fellow defenders sticking to their tasks and players well. The Ashford midfielders and strikers were also working hard to get an opening goal for the Red & Blacks to enable them to get back into the game. It was not to be though and the final score remained at 3-0 to Hampstead & Westminster, the defeat and other results in the league resulting in Ashford slipping down a place to sixth in the Premier league table.

The rub of the green seems against Ashford at the moment, and they were unlucky not to score at least two goals in the tough game. However, another good performance against a very strong Hampstead & Westminster team gave both the squad and coach JEREMY CLARKE confidence in the way the team are playing. Next week they have to travel to Teddington to face the Club’s third team who are two places below the Red & Blacks in the league. If the high standards of Saturday’s performance (especially in the second half) can be maintained, then a Ashford’s fifth league win of the season should be achievable.

Team: S. Grant (GK), S. Smart, P. Worsfold, E. Hynes, J. Bashford (Skipper), W. Baker, , N. Benedict, H. Busby, C.Emmerton, P. Shoebridge, K. Taylor, K. Downs, L. Uttley