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OPPOSITION RESULT |
Bishops Stortford
6 W 5-3 |
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Following a last minute change of venue and surface (from grass to astro), Potters Bar arrived at the game late and to say the least a little disorganised, starting the match with only 8 players! However, undeterred by the shortfall in numbers they took the game to Stortford and scored through a fine strike by Andy Latham from the edge of the "D". After 10 minutes Bar were up to full strength but did not improve on their early lead. For long periods during the match they tried to play too much direct hockey resulting in many long passes being intercepted. Indeed, had it not been for some fine saves from their athletic keeper it is likely that Bar's lead would have been overturned before the break. Bishops Stortford fought hard and came back strongly, equalising early in the second half. This spurred Potters Bar into action and they responded with two goals of their own from Nick Gregory and Owen Hughes, taking the score to 3-1. The opposition refused to lie down and for a time played the better hockey, eventually closing the gap to 3-2 with about 15 minutes to go. Potters Bar then put the game out of sight with two further goals. One fluid move mid-way through the second half resulted in a fine goal from Nick Gregory. Gregory would have had a hat-trick had it not been for the illegal diving goal-line clearance by a defender - the resulting penalty flick was neatly despatched by Adam Reader low down to the keeper's right. Two players shone for Potters Bar - Alan Field in goal and Liam Frame in midfield. Frame continued his good form, making some strong forward runs as well as fighting well for the ball in midfield. However, Bar conceded a penalty corner for an ill-timed tackle inside the 25 metre line - from which Stortford scored. The match finished 5-3 to Potters Bar but some tired legs showed that further fitness work is required if they are to maintain their 100% record in the weeks to come. The win keeps newly promoted Bar near the top of the table (3rd place on goal difference) but with some tough fixtures to come greater movement off the ball and more short passing will be required to keep them there. |
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