Whitley Bay & Tynemouth Hockey Club

WBTHC 3 v Redcar 2

Redcar, a town previously known for its railway and lifeboats, gained a new claim to fame last weekend as it became the place where a three game losing streak by Tynemouth Men’s 3rds came to an end. The visitors faced off against second in the league knowing a win was vital if their aspirations of promotion were to continue. With heavy losses to Jesmond Parish Church (twice!) and Northumbria St Georges (deceased) still fresh in their mind it would have been understandable for the team to be nervy heading into the match. However, with the side reinvigorated by the return of Craig Duffy and Kier Waugh from their tours of duty with the second team, Tynemouth pressed from the get-go, penning the home side into their half for much of the first period, allowing only a few shots in their own D. Redcar stood firm, however, and it took a well worked short corner routine to break the deadlock, just before half time, with Tom Fuller, scorer of over two thirds of the team’s goals this season, deflecting Toby Raimes’ shot past a stunned goalkeeper.

Redcar rallied after the first half and began to press forward with quick passing and a front line of four forwards making things difficult for the Tynemouth defence, who maintained discipline throughout, starving the opposition of their diet of short corners, which has netted them numerous goals this year. However despite this good work Redcar struck midway through the half as Tynemouth were caught napping at a free hit. At this point it would have been easy for heads to drop and for a while it looked as though Redcar may nick all three points as they pressed forward and Tom Fuller collapsed, overcome by the fumes in the atmosphere and, more apparently, a stick across the knee. However he pressed on and Tynemouth began to rediscover their first half form, coming closer and closer to getting the winner. Finally it came as Dan Adams started a mazy dribble across the D to the right hand side of the goal where he casually lifted his shot over the approaching goalkeeper.

This result leaves Tynemouth a point off second place with a game in hand over Redcar and promotion hopes very much in their own hands.

WBTHC 3 (2-1) Redcar 2