Following our Mid-Season Review for the Ladies, earlier this week, we continue our look back at the first half of the season, this time from the perspective of the Mens’ teams. In short summary, the 2016/17 season could go one way or the other based on current standings. Goals aren’t difficult to come by, with 153 across the men’s sides, but our defences are also being worked hard. In terms of promotion, its looking like the 3rds will be pushing for a spot come the end of the season, with the 1sts, 2nds and 6ths all looking at top-half/mid-table finishes which they can build on for next season. The 4ths and 5ths look to be in a relegation battle, but I am confident that both can survive under the new leadership of Alex Cooper and John Simpson. Avoiding any relegations this season will be a positive, and an added bonus will be John Harrison winning promotion for the 3rds. Below, we look at each individual team, and where they currently sit at the end of 2016.

The 1st team currently sit in 7th position in North Division One, after an error-strung start to the season which saw the side leading at various stages in their first five league games, but only recording one victory. The 5-4 defeat to Chapeltown just summed up the men’s misfortune, when they had taken a 4-0 half-time lead, only to surrender to defeat late on. However, recent form has hugely improved with only one defeat in the last six games. Goals haven’t been difficult to come by, as Lindum are 4th in the goal-scoring charts, but their position in the table comes down to having the 2nd leakiest defence in the league. Rob Johnstone leads the goal-scoring charts netting ten, closely followed by Mike White with eight goals. Ric Corbett and George Johnstone have scored six and four, respectively. They start the second half of the campaign with a double-header at home against Gateshead and Newcastle University, and six points will ensure that Lindum begin to move closer to the top four – somewhere that the side aspires to. The 1sts also competed in the EH Men’s Trophy, but a youthful side were defeated 3-1 in the first round by Didsbury Northern 1sts.

Last season’s Yorkshire Division One champions, the 2nds, have found life tough in Yorkshire Premier, and sit just above the relegation places in 10th position. Although this is only four points off 4th position currently occupied by local rivals Grimsby. Performances have been largely positive, however, and the experiences gained will hold the 2nds in good stead going into the second half of the season. Safety is the priority for this season, and there is no doubt that the quality within the 2nd team will prevail. Leading the way for goals is Chris Hearn with five, followed by James Hillsmith with four. The 2nds have also made it through to the quarter-finals of the EH Men’s 2nd XI Cup following 3-2 and 7-1 victories over Wapping and Wisbech Town, respectively. Their opponents will be the winner of the 3rd round match-up between Liverpool Sefton and the University of Nottingham.

The 3rds have had a good start in Yorkshire Division Two following relegation from Division One, last season, only being defeated twice. Anth Gorman, Jacob Barnes and Stu Kirk have contributed four goals each, lifting the 3rds into the top half at the midway point. Shane Barr and Will O’Sullivan have also chipped in five goals between them, as Lindum have scored from all over the pitch. Goalkeeper Albert Slator has had a strong start in his debut season for Lindum, keeping the opposition at bay on numerous occasions. The 3rds are still within touching distance of the promotion spots, four points away from 2nd. They will be hoping to lose the tag of draw specialists by converting those ties into victories.

The 4ths have had a difficult start in Yorkshire Division Four South following relegation from Division Three, and sit just above the relegation places, hoping to secure safety early in the second half of the season, to then push for a promotion spot next year. Alex Cooper has now taken on the captaincy, and I’m sure he’ll do a stirling job in pushing the side forward over the coming months. The 4ths also reached the semi-final of the YHA Men’s League Cup B, but were soundly beaten by Driffield 2nds.

Yorkshire Division Four South also contains the 5ths. This side mostly contains the youngsters of Lindum, and they’ve had a tough start to senior hockey as the side currently sits bottom with a solitary victory over the 4th team.

The 6ths have had a mixed start to the season but sit safely in mid-table at the halfway point. A top four finish would be a fine result come the end of the season.

Unfortunately, the decision had to be made to pull the men’s 7ths out of the league due to player availability. Although disappointing for the club, it is hoped that the 7s will be back in the future.

The juniors of the development (8th) team have had a good start to competitive hockey, and although sit second-bottom, performances have been encouraging. The future is very bright for Lindum Hockey Club!

The Under 18 Boys have reached round 3 (final 16) of the EH Boys Plate, after exiting the EH Boys Cup at the first round stage, defeated 5-3 in a tight game against Cambridge City. A walkover and a 7-1 victory over Boots of Nottingham, sees the lads face Norwich City at home in February for a place in the quarter-finals.