Nick Wright previews this weekend's clash between York City Knights and Hull FC
Alex Reid looks at whether the once ever-present appearance of English clubs in the later stages of the Champions League is set to become a thing of the past
Craig Dobson looks at QPR's decision to sack Neil Warnock and replace him with Mark Hughes
James Tompkinson reviews an excellent pre-season victory for the York City Knights against Yorkshire rivals Leeds Rhinos
The team were looking to exceed their 2nd place in the league in BUSA Men’s 5B league after two matches.
After a promising start to the season, with one win and one loss, the squad of 12 was very unfortunate to come home to York with a 5-3 loss. However, it has to be said that the match was played at a very high competitive standard, and a two-goal lead was certainly not a fair reflection on York’s commitment and fighting mind-set.
The game saw an impressive display of goals and it seemed that firework night had come early, with eight shots being put past the keepers. A note has to be made to fresher Adam Phillips, who started in goal for the first time in months after only playing there for five matches at school. He really stepped up to the plate and made some terrific saves after York conceded many short corners.
However, it has to be said that the defence were very strong, lead by a promising new sweeper Tom Clemons stepping in due to five regular players being unavailable. The midfield also had a great game and controlled the game very comfortably in places. Special praise has to be made to a shining new fresher Rob Newton, who skillfully threatened the Northumbria middle players on many occasions.
The seven senior starting members set a good example with some inspirational play and by putting away the three Yorkshire goals. The first goal of the game was scored by Northumbria after twenty minutes and the quality of the finish set the standard for the goals to come. An equalizer followed shortly after, with a string of four or five passes starting within York's half assisting the quality glancing touch of senior member Richard Morton. The draw did not last for long however, and the deadly striking of the Northumbia side showed why York were unable to equalize once again.
The opposition went 3-1 up in the second half. But the Yorkshire heads resisted dropping and the competitive level soared to an impressive standard. Northumbria hustled and attempted to push York off the ball but the Yorkshire Zulu Warriors dug their heels in and fought for a short corner penalty. The push out streamed across the sand like a lightning bolt, giving captain Ian Sheridan plenty of time to drag-flick the ball past the defender’s heads and into the back of the net. The move had never been practiced but showed a promising set piece for the rest of the season.
Unfortunately York were unable to innerve the talented opposition, and Northumbria regained their two-goal lead once more with twenty minutes to spare. Once again, however, the York team showed that the two hour coach trip was not to be squandered, and an offensive strategy was put into place. After an assist from Clemons and a shot into the corner of the goal from Sheridan, the gap was closed to 4-3 to Northumbria.
However the home team was not going to take temporary defeat lightly and blasted some impressive shots at the newly converted keeper. Phillips proved his place in the team and blocked out all but one impressive reverse hit from the corner of York’s area. The attacking standard of Northumbia was exceptionally high and Phillips deserved his nominations as man of the match by more than rising to the challenge.
There were many key points of the game that were in York’s favour, and a strong acknowledgement must be made to the incredible work ethic of forwards Sam Butterfield and Joe Spedding. The freshers made a vital contribution to the match and have certainly impressed enough to deservedly secure their place in the side. Fresher hot-shot Newton in midfield noticed the strong connections beginning to grow with the strikers and said: “I’m still getting used to it but the team is moulding really well.”
There are many things that the team does need to work on however, such as spreading the ball out wide and consistency in clearing the ball away from danger. Despite this, captain Ian Sheridan stated: “I'm delighted with the dedication from everyone, and the unlucky result will only make us stronger for next time.”
The team's dedication proved to be a threatening force, and another promising display of skillful hockey was the most important outcome. When Northumbria travel to York in January, we’ll be more ready than David Hasselhoff.
York Men's 2nds: Phillips, Clemons, Evans, Richards, Featherstone, Dart, Sheridan, North, Newton, Morton, Butterfield, Spedding.
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