| Match Report |
North Devon HC 1sts travelled to Cornwall last weekend to face Liskeard based team Caradon HC 1sts. North Devon have fared well against Cornish opposition this season, beating Truro A twice and drawing 3-3 with Caradon before Christmas.
Caradon were chasing promotion in third place, North Devon sitting just below them in fourth, it had the makings of a fine game. North Devon welcomed back Guy Cockcroft, Richard Locke and keeper Sam Wormington but were missing six players from the week before.
North Devon started the game nervously, Caradon play a direct game, North Devon allowed their midfield too much time on the ball and they soon created chances. Thankfully Wormington was in fine form, denying the opposition with some fine saves. Even when he was beaten, Reuben Windley showed why he is a highly regarded cricketer with an excellent defensive block from a fierce shot which saw the ball whistle over the bar.
However pressure told and a failed clearance saw a Cardon forward slip in at the back post and deflect a ball into the goal. In a near identical move, Caradon soon doubled their lead. North Devon’s chances were few and far between, Ash Thorne coming the
closest with a deflected penalty corner.
At half-time, stand in Captain Matt Brown rearranged the team, strengthening the midfield and allowing North Devon to play counter attacking hockey. In the early stages of the second half, North Devon looked much more dangerous. They should have got a goal back when Joe Taylor-Richards deflected a cross from Cockcroft over the bar.
However, it didn’t take long for North Devon to get on the score sheet, Ben Andrews winning the ball in midfield and playing in Cockcroft who unselfishly passed to Thorne to place the ball past the keeper. A second then followed, man of the match Phil Brand found himself in space, his powerful shot found the bottom corner and it was 2-2.
Caradon seemed to go into panic mode and North Devon went ahead from a penalty corner, a slick routine saw the ball ricochet of Brand’s stick into the roof of the net.
Caradon had to respond and pushed high, the last ten minutes were frenetic. Mike Cuthbertson injured his calf in a full length diving tackle but manfully played on. Caradon won a penalty corner on the final whistle but were unable to direct a shot on target. Three hard earned points for North Devon.
A final word on the umpires who were excellent, officiating in great spirit, allowing the game to flow.
|