| Match Report |
North Devon HC 1st team got their GoCrea8 Conference South campaign off the ground with a 6-1 home defeat to Firebrands HC 2nd team last weekend.
The score did not reflect what was actually a competitive and high quality game of hockey. Firebrands turned up with a large squad and showed no signs of fatigue from a long trip from Bristol.
In fact they took the game to North Devon and a early chance saw Sam Wormington save well in goal but the rebound was put away from a narrow angle. Firebrands probably thought the game would turn into a rout but the home team soon equalised. A great pass from Matt Brown from defence put Guy Cockcroft away, he placed the ball into the corner of the goal past an advancing goal keeper.
Unfortunately North Devon then made the classic mistake of conceding again straight from the re-start, a couple of missed defensive tackles and some good interplay from the visiting team saw them restore the lead.
Things started to calm down after that, with both teams having some good spells of possession. The defensive team led by Mike Cuthbertson and Jay Corden denying the free running Firebrands attack.
North Devon had another great chance after captain Phil Brand played the ball up to Giles Rowden who placed it into the path of Cockcroft, his shot was palmed past the post by the opposition keeper. Firebrands extended their lead further after a smart finish from the top of the circle gave Wormington no chance.
Despite being down at half-time, North Devon were not despondent and reshuffled the team with Dom Cork going into midfield. After the break, North Devon had their best spell, Cork stretching the play with his pace, Joe Taylor-Richards and Sam Kirkness having a couple of half chances.
Unfortunately, North Devon started to get tired and the Firebrands squad started to create more chances. Wormington made a number of excellent saves and was rightly awarded man of the match by the opposition, however he was beaten three more times with some clinical finishing.
Despite the result North Devon were positive after the game, knowing that Firebrands will be challenging for the title this season. A high quality game of hockey played in good spirit by both teams and well umpired without a single card being shown to either side.
Next week North Devon travel to Plymouth to face Plymouth Marjons second team.
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