Ashford (Middlesex) Hockey Club

Team Ashford’s one game non-losing streak came to an end as High Wycombe did a smash-and-grab to take all 3 points back to the frozen, inhospitable tundra of deepest, darkest Bucks.

OK I made most of that up, HW were a well-organised and skilful outfit who deserved certainly on their first half performance to win the game. The most shocking moment was when the trainee umpires turned up and it looked like we had Del Boy umpiring for us, fortunately Mark took off his sheepskin to umpire!! The other problem we had was finding a keeper Sat morning as we lost our 3rd goalie in the week, having said that Stuart Ayling, in his first game in goal this season, played really well and was probably our best player on the day.

It was a really good game as the sides had a similar make-up with HW having a couple more sprogs than us and a couple more subs - they started very well and were playing nice little triangles in midfield. By contrast, the only shapes we were doing were the odd circle and Shaggy was very creative doing a double-helix and ampersand all by himself. We had the first decent chance but Reed’s weak shot from a slipped shortie was easily saved. Ryan glanced a cross just past the post and we had more shorts than HW but it was no surprise when their lad went through 4 of our players and the resultant melee saw it poked home form close range. We got to half time thankful to be one-down.

Second half was much better, HW continued to play prettier hockey but we were much more animated in our play, upped the tempo and dictated the pace of the game particularly in midfield. We created enough chances to have got back and won the game, Rosie hit the post at least once, Shaggy should have scored, Ryan forced a good save and we had more shorts than HW and did force the goalie to make saves. Play was frenetic and we had them worried but we couldn’t get the goal we needed - unfortunately we gave up an avoidable goal with 15 minutes to go and although we never gave up, 2 goals was beyond us on the day….

Ashford Scorers:
Jamie McFarlane FG (5 mins), George Clutton FG (54mins), James Webber PS (45mins) PS (50mins)

The game begun with both teams playing like they meant business and it could be an even contest. Portsmouth had the first opportunity to open the scoring through a penalty corner in the 4th minute. This, however, was unsuccessful and was returned with interest when Ashford struck a minute later with a well worked field goal finished off by Jamie McFarland.

The trend for the first half looked ominous for the home team as Ashford mounted many attacking opportunities in their oppositions half. The Ashford midfield combined well creating many opportunities to score in the first half including several corners, however they were unable to finish these attacks. There was no addition to the score before half time despite the numerous opportunities created by the Ashford attack.

City of Portsmouth came out in the second half believing they could take the points from this game and were prepared to take it to Ashford. The Red and Blacks stood strong in defence and once again created many opportunities throughout the second half. With the finishing not up to standard once again the forwards were finding it hard to find the back of the net. Eventually a penalty stroke was awarded after a neat turn on top of the circle saw George Clutton drive toward the goal and draw the foul from the defender. James Webber made no mistake firing it into the back of the net.

The next goal was also a penalty stroke after a George Clutton shot hit a defenders foot on the goal line stopping a certain goal. James Webber shot the ball cunningly over the keepers head to take the Ashford lead to 3-0. Ashford continued to create many chances to extend their lead and could have made quite a considerable breakaway had they taken their chances, however there was to be only one more goal in the game for the Red and Blacks that was knocked in by George Clutton after the keeper made a save off a Jody Smith shot. City of Portsmouth got a break away goal in the dying minutes of the game as both teams were pushing to score.

This was a good performance from Ashford with the dominance in the midfield being a good sign in the lead up to the Christmas break.