Further Disappointment for Men's 1st XI

In York’s opening weekend of the North Yorkshire Premier Division, the 1st XI already found themselves going in on the back-foot. York were facing a Halifax and Sheffield Hallam side that had been playing matches for almost a month, whilst York was just starting their first weekend. On the Saturday, York travelled to Halifax to play in a match which had thrown up some interesting clashes in the past. Renowned for being a particularly aggressive and physical team, York knew they would have their work cut out.

The first half started awfully, with defensive frailties being exploited continuously by the Halifax attack. Then with the injury to Beale at left back, York were without substitutes and playing again with a make-shift back four. On what was a very tricky, bouncy pitch to play on, Halifax put three goals past keeper Gibaud, with the opening goal being put away in quite emphatic fashion. Captain James Hume knew what style of play he wanted his team to be playing but it was just not happening at all in the first half. Balls were constantly being forced out of defence down the right-hand side and Halifax easily managed to take control of the game due to York’s one-dimensional style of play.

A serious half-time team talk was needed if York were going to rescue anything from this game. As they came out for the second half, they looked a totally different side! They started playing the ball around with confidence at the back whilst working hard off the ball to create space for each other. Halifax were totally taken out of the game and York were mounting more and more attacks. Finally, off a short-corner, Hume was able to slap the ball into the back of the net making it 3-1. However as fitness levels started to lag, York, although still continuing to dominate, became more and more desperate. But they failed to put any more past the Halifax keeper, ending the game at 3-1.

Despite the loss, confidence was certainly higher within the team, as they now knew there was the talent within the team to take control of games if they stuck to how they wanted to play. And with Sunday’s game against Sheffield Hallam ahead of them, they had the perfect opportunity to prove it on the pitch.

Come Sunday, York started as they left off on Saturday, playing the ball around the pitch with ease and keeping Sheffield Hallam off the ball. It was a very promising start, but despite this pressure York was unable to convert any of their chances: the closest being Ed Watson’s shot off a short corner narrowly missing the near post. Sheffield Hallam managed just two attacks in the first half, but unlike York they were able to finish off their attack with a goal. So going in again at half-time York found themselves with work to do.

Things then went from bad to worse for York, as within 5 minutes of starting the second half they were staring at a 2-0 deficit. Heads started to drop as all the hard work in the first half had been to no avail. Sheffield Hallam, now sensing they had the win within their grasps, started to stretch the game. Despite York still mounting several positive attacks, they could do nothing to stop the match ending 4-0!

It had been the end to a painful weekend for the 1st XI, as the results were a harsh reflection on what was at times some very encouraging hockey. Captain Hume summed up the weekend saying: "There is plenty to take away from this weekend. I am confident we are close to our first win. Let’s just wait and see how Wednesday against Leeds goes." Despite this hard weekend, there is still plenty of time for York to get underway in this league, and they hope to be challenging for top positions soon.

Add Comment

You must log in to submit a comment.