Whitley Bay & Tynemouth Hockey Club

WBTHC 1 v Alderley Edge 1

Whitley Bay and Tynemouth Men's 1st team, hosted Alderley Edge in their first home game of the season. WBTHC remained unchanged from last week in what would prove to be a great game of competitive hockey.
WBTHC went into the game as the underdogs, but this didn’t hold them back as they started brightly in the blaring sunshine, moving the ball with pace and creating early chances. After a sustained amount of pressure and missed opportunities at penalty corners, it was Alderley Edge that took the lead against the run of play with a penalty corner of their own. The scores were soon level after a good passing move and clinical finish from last season’s top scorer and man of the match Andy Titmus, who struck low into the bottom left corner from the top of the circle. The scores remained level until Gregory, grabbed the lead for Alderly Edge, converting his second penalty corner from 2 attempts. WBTHC were not ready to give up easily and pushed hard for the equaliser despite being down to 10 men. The vital goal arrived in the final minutes of the game with a pin point ball from A Hayes and a neat deflection from Titmus to give him his second of the game and to earn WBTHC a very good point against a team that is likely to challenge for promotion.

WBTHC 1 (2-2) Alderley Edge 1

WBTHC 3 v Redcar 2

WBTHC 3s met Redcar 2s in their first competitive game of the season. Uncharacteristically, the sun was beating down as the teams took to the pitch providing testing conditions for both sides. WBTHC made the better start and moved the ball around freely putting the Redcar defence under pressure. Redcar made the occasional break out of defence and worringly, the WBTHC back four seemed hesitant and disorganised when dealing with the threat. The home side enjoyed most of the possession and this led to the first goal with Tom Fuller opening his account for the new season. It was beginning to look as if WBTHC were all set to enjoy a romp in the sun but it was not to be. After taking the lead WBTHC seemed to sit back and wait for things to happen. This took place but not in the way that WBTHC had anticipated. Redcar seized the initiative and mounted a series of attacks which led to the award of a penalty corner. This was duly dispatched to the back of the goal to bring Recar back on level terms. WBTHC were now in disarray. Tackles were missed and passes went astray all over the pitch. The inevitable happened and Redcar's second goal was a re-run of the first. A penalty corner was awarded and converted. WBTHC were 2-1 down at half-time.

Some harsh words were spoken at half-time and some re-organisation took place. Sadly, the quality of WBTHC's hockey did not improve. Too many players looked out of touch, short of practise and match fitness. On paper, the team was strong but the game was played on astroturf. The second half was marginally better than the first with WBTHC conceding only one goal (yet another badly defended penalty corner).

A disappointing start but hopefully WBTHC 2s have got a bad game out of their system for the season and better times lie ahead.

WBTHC 3 (1-3) Redcar 2

Wilton Juniors v WBTHC Juniors

WBTHC Juniors travelled to Teesside for their second game of the season. Unlike their previous game, this match was played on a full pitch with both sides fielding full squads. As the match started it became apparent that the two sides were well matched and an open and competitive game ensued with full participation by all players. In the first half WBTHC were the stronger side and dominated the play. A promising attack resulted in the award of a penalty corner which was duly converted by a fine strike from the top of the D. An early goal allowed WBTHC to relax and play some good hockey both in attack and defence. They were unlucky not to increase their lead and went into half-time 1-0 up.

Wilton changed their formation at half-time and posed a greater threat to the WBTHC defence. Increased pressure resulted in a well worked goal to bring the scores level. WBTHC responded positively and continued to play an attractive brand of attacking hockey. The remainder of the half saw WBTHC pressing for a winner and defending resolutely but the game ended with honours even.

Wilton Juniors (1-1) WBTHC Juniors