Mens 2nd XI Match Report
Potters Bar Men 2nd XI v Stevanage 5th XI
06 November 2010 | by Anthony Levy
Another response was required following a disappointing defeat at Letchworth last week and this strengthened side delivered in style.
It was immediately apparent that there was going to plenty more pace available, with Miles Tomkins up front and Chris Filbey and James McCormick on the wings, with the midfield therefore encouraged to make a more direct approach. This paid dividends after just 2 minutes when Michael Levy’s through ball to Andy Stokes (ignoring the first call of ‘Early, early, early!’ from Miles Tomkins) saw Andy upended by the onrushing keeper but Chris Filbey was on hand to place the ball passed the defenders on the line.
10 minutes later and it could have been 2 as more good play from Chris Filbey drew the keeper and saw the ball run loose towards the edge of the D. Michael Levy finished superbly……only to realise he was a foot outside the D when he took the shot!
Despite Bar maintaining the ascendancy goals were not forthcoming and Stevenage were dangerous going forward with Nishil Shah, Jon Yates and Richard Hughes all having to be alert to snuff out the danger. Chances came and went with Danny Becker having a shot saved on 27 minutes and 2 minutes later Miles Tomkins sharp effort from close range came back off the post. Just before half time however came 3 goals in the space of 3 minutes:
On 32 minutes Michael Levy made another surging run down the right hand side and after playing the ball across the goal, kept on with his run to be on hand to deny Miles Tomkins a goal from his reverse stick effort by knocking in the goal bound shot from no more than a foot. Just 2 minutes later there was almost a replica goal – this time it was James McCormick who was on hand at the far post to finish off from a pass from Andy Stokes. However with half time approaching Bar took their foot off the gas and Stevenage took advantage to make it 3-1 with a goal from a tight angle.
At half time, only the concession of the late goal disappointed the skipper who encouraged a return to the direct and sharp play that had brought earlier rewards. The second half however was initially a cagey and nervous affair with Bar maintaining their ascendancy but without creating any clear chances. Meanwhile Stevenage remained dangerous and looked to have pulled another goal back on 47 minutes from a short corner. However after the umpires consulted the goal was correctly ruled out.
Bar increased the tempo and the pressure with Paul Brady always in the thick of things and restored the 3 goal lead on 51 minutes. A ball into the D was intercepted by Danny Becker, whose subtle flick found Andy Stokes to fire home. Now the side were able to relax and play some good hockey that could have seen a few more goals – as it was they settled for one more on 62 minutes. Bar broke away following a Stevenage short corner and a shot from Andy Stokes was going just wide until Michael Levy deflected the ball home from slightly further out than his opening effort.
Back to winning ways just in time for probably the sternest test of the season next week away to Vauxhall.
Final Score: Potters Bar 5 - 1 Stevenage
Goal Scorers: C Filbet (2), M Levy (32 & 62), J McCormick (34), A Stokes (51)
Team: S Randon (Capt), R Hughes, R Maidment (GK), J Yates, N Shah, M Levy, D Becker, P Brady, J McCormick, C Filbey, M Tomkins, A Stokes, C Edwards
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