Mens 1st Team Match Report v. Neston Hockey Club 1

Thursday, 10th of December 2015
Posted by Mike White
Mens 1st Team Match Report v. Neston Hockey Club 1 Mens 1st Team Match Report v. Neston Hockey Club 1

This weekend saw the half way point of the season and Lindum were hosting Neston Hockey Club. Neston got the better of Lindum earlier in the season, but following last weekend’s comfortable win over Harrogate Gary Johnson’s men were looking to get even.

On a mild but windy afternoon Neston felt the need to spend extra time in the changing room – unlike Lindum who were out early. This paid off as Lindum started the better with excellent pressure on the Neston defence, with only a crash ball looking likely to get them out of trouble. The first short corner of the game was awarded to Lindum but broke down with the ball finding George Johnston outside the 5 yard circle, having picked out Globkowski with an excellent pass; Stephen produced a fine piece a skill before slipping the ball to Gary Johnson to fire into the roof off the net.

Before Neston could gain any composure Lindum hit them again, this time Rob Johnston picking up the ball on the left side of the circle and firing a tomahawk across the face of the keeper into the bottom right corner. Rob was at it again and looking to add a third for Lindum with a replica of his first goal; clearly the Neston defence didn’t learn their lesson the first time as Johnston junior struck the far post with a rapid tomahawk.
Lindum were flying with the first half coming to an end, but there was time for one last chance. Globkowski picking the ball up outside the circle and driving down the right side baseline with only the keeper coming to meet him, using his experience Stephen paused, drawing the keeper sliding out, and as he went down Stephen released the cheekiest lob from a tight angle hitting the post only to the disappointment of Gary Johnson as he got himself into his poaching position free and ready to slot the ball home.

The second half started the same it the first finish with Lindum on top and Neston trying to punish them on quick breaks. The Neston defence were struggling to get the ball out of their half due to excellent pressure. The ball fell to Mike White who went on a majestic run, taking on three or four Neston players with cries of stick block coming from the defence, only to top it off with a ‘no look pass’ to Matt Ingram who found himself high on the baseline. He managed to squeeze home an excellent first time slap past the keeper at the near post to make it 3-0.

Neston then fought back with a goal themselves. Lindum switched off and suddenly found themselves out numbered in their circle and a couple of quick passes from the young Neston forwards saw them only require a tap in at the back post. Game on! Lindum again had the ball in the back of the goal, this time when Mike White stepped up with an exquisite drag flick into the side netting leaving the keeper no chance – 4-1 Lindum! Unfortunately this didn’t last long as Neston scored within minutes to make it 4-2.

Heading into the last 15 minutes Lindum began to control the game again with Rob Johnston picking up a loose ball inside the Neston circle. He drew a penalty flick from the keeper after Rob’s skills were too quick for him. Mike White stepped up after scoring three from three in previous games but couldn’t convert; he sent the ball wide to the right after the keeper went the wrong way.
Lindum kept the ball nicely in the last five minutes and soaked up yet more pressure from the Neston front line after they switched to five forwards, but they were unable to force an error from the magnificent Lindum back line. With quick passing and high ball pace Rob Johnston found himself with the ball at his feet and he was able to add to the score line to make it 5-2 and net his fourth goal in three games for the 1st Team.

MOTM: Rob Johnstone – goals and all round play
DOTD: Mike White – flick miss

Curves: Womens Only Gym
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