| Match Report |
The best performance of the season so far -against the joint top side. The team was able to play a much better standard of hockey against a well organised Okehampton who were also keen to play good hockey. The only frustration being that we didn't take all three points. The team was well balanced with Toby Acharya and Pete Munn (Man of the match) organising the back four and pushing forward when the opportunity arose. This meant that the opposition were on the back foot and forced to defend in numbers for significant periods of the game. This was complimented by Toby Trickett adding width and an outball on the right. James Parsons on the left had his best game of the season -offering width and support to the mid-field on the left. Sam Easterbrook,Tom Langrishe and Seb Frost (dog for playing without shin pads in the second half) bossed the midfield and worked tirelessly in attack and defence. Up front a slightly under the weather Jude failed to score for the first time this seaon but showed his skills taking on the defence and offering a holding option when needed. Patrick Acharya looks stronger each week and again showed is ability to hold the ball and take the opposition on. Umesh added his pace to frustrate defenders.The addition of Barry Kirkham in attack offered strength and experience as well as two goals. The team have now established shape , including the press, and how to play each position. This has been built on with taking the ball out of contact and being stronger in possession. The work rate this week was excellent. With the experienced players offering guidance and support to the developing players the team is looking good. Next week will be an opportunity to show how far we have come against the strongest team in the division, Teign. Thanks to Gareth Parsons for managing the team on the sideline and Colin for doing all the admin and offering coaching input during and after the game.
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