Lindum 3 vs Wakefield 3

• 6-6 Draw

Final day of the season for the 3s, looking to regain some pride following relegation against a Wakefield side attempting to fight the drop.

The game started quickly with some end to end hockey. Lindum created a couple of chances but couldn’t find that finishing touch before a short corner was converted by Wakefield (0-1). A defensive error from Thomas resulted in a one on one for the Wakefield forward to dispatch past the ever improving Rounsley (0-2). A Wakefield defensive error left O’Kelly with a simple finish into the bottom corner from all of 5 yards out (1-2). Minutes later, O’Kelly got his second, deflecting under the Wakefield keeper to level up the scores, Henderson ceasing the ball towards the circle with a deft touch from Hughes (2-2). More chances came for both sides before half time but no more goals.

Early in the second half, some great play between Turner and Hughes resulted in a reverse strike, with a touch of a defenders foot, from O’Kelly to take the lead (3-2). Moments later, a lapse in concentration allowed a Wakefield forward to play the ball on his reverse deflected high into the net (3-3). Lindum continued to create chances and following great play down the left from H.Middleton, a deflection from O’Kelly rebounded off the keeper for Hughes to dispatch from a tight angle (4-3). Only a few minutes later, a slap from the top of the circle was deflected high above the keeper by O’Kelly to give Lindum a 2 goal lead (5-3). More one touch hockey followed and Turner found O’Kelly again at the back post to deflect high off the far post, finally nestling in the far corner (6-3). With 10 minutes left, Lindum believed they could go out and close the game, however that was not to be. 8 minutes to go, and a melee in the circle resulted in a Wakefield forward finishing at the 3rd or 4th attempt (6-4). 5 minutes to go and although Lindum should’ve consolidated, they gave the ball away too easy in attack and another Wakefield forward finished with aplomb, on his reverse into the bottom corner (6-5). Then, with 30 seconds on the clock, Wakefield equalised in dubious circumstances after the ball hit a Wakefield forward’s foot in the circle, who also followed through into the keepers mask with his stick. The ball fell to another player who finished into the empty net (6-6). O’Kelly then lost his head a little and was green carded for dissent, and subsequently yellow carded for then supposedly throwing his stick, something that neither umpires could’ve possibly seen. But alas, 6-6 was to be the final score, so the 3s finished with a hard earned point, that should’ve been 3.

Standout performances came from Rounsley, who was unlucky to concede so many; J.Middleton, who was imperious in defence and even an attacking threat at times; Turner, who provided a new dimension to Lindum’s attack in midfield, alongside Barr and H.Middleton; and also O’Kelly, netting 5 to finish the season.

Team: Tom Rounsley (GK), Billy Marwaha, Liam Gavaghan, Lee Thomas, Jack Middleton, Harry Middleton, Matt Turner, Gregor Henderson, Shane Barr, Sean O’Kelly, Nick Anderson, Kev White, Dave Roberts, Josh Hughes

MOTM: O’Kelly – 5 goals
DOTD: O’Kelly – double hattrick avoidance, yellow card, and stupid hat