A win after so long

• 3 - York 2nd XI
• 2 - Sheffield 4th XI

Last Wednesday saw York men’s 2nd XI hockey team win an exhilarating home match against Sheffield 4ths.

After four losses in a row and being at the bottom of BUSA Northern Division 5B, heads could have been down and spirits could have been low. However, with the help of a new coach and new formation, York managed to beat a strong team 3-2 after what was an intense match of hockey.

York University could not afford another loss this week as otherwise York, Sheffield 4ths and 5ths would have had 3, 7 and 7 points respectively. With this in mind, York started the game with a blazing heat of passion which put the Sheffield side on the back foot continuously for the first ten minutes. It was only a matter of time before the York goal came from fresher superstar Will Fresson. For a former 1st team defender, York 2nds were glad for this young lad to put his first University goal away in his new position as left midfield.

However, York knew not to get too comfortable winning, so as to not repeat the performance last week against Sheffield 5ths where comfort soon turned into commiseration. Despite some great play from York, Sheffield swiftly came back to level the score in the first half and set the pace for what continued to be a game of cat and mouse in the nets.

Threats continued as York conceded a penalty flick for errors in the D at the end of the first half. The tension was high as novice keeper Adam Phillips stepped up to face his second one-on-one shot from the high-scoring Sheffield attacker. Phillips had already given away a penalty two weeks ago and a goal shortly followed. This time however, despite the nerves, the fresher blocked-out the shot as it soared to his left glove and York were safe until the next half.

The half time team talk was constructive and all the players were feeling a lot more self-reassured after some useful training tactics from the new coach.

York battled in the second half and eventually a goal was scored from 3rd team captain Nick Latcham. Again the finish resulted from a fantastic build-up of team effort and the Yorkshire side was looking exceptionally strong across the field.

Unfortunately, Sheffield showed no signs of accepting an away loss and dug all their heels in for a breakaway goal late in the second half. The continuous flux of lead made the game frustrating at times, but with a constant loop of substitutions the game was kept alive and fresh.

Resting the players proved to be invaluable, as just before the final whistle came one of the best-worked goals in recent history of University hockey. 2nd year Luke Featherstone on the left gave a cracking ball to Will Fresson who blasted the ball into the D where vice-captain Nick Cook slid in on the ground to get a deflective touch past the goalkeeper. The work rate was incredible and sweeper Matt Cade said it best at the end by stating “I’m really proud of all you boys.”

York 2nds and Sheffield 4ths have now swapped places for the bottom two places, and the home side is now two points clear from the relegation spot and only one point behind Sheffield 5ths in fourth place.

York now face the top three teams in the league but it is satisfying to know that if the two Sheffield sides draw and share a point each, both of them are in jeopardy of being relegated. After having not won for over a month the team is on a high and is looking stronger than it ever has before. Midfielder Ian Sheridan remarked: “You’ve got to be happy with a team effort like that. I’m very much looking forward to celebrating with the lads at the Christmas Ball this Sunday.”

York 2nd XI: Adam Phillips, Tom Clemons, James Evans, Matt Cade, Luke Featherstone, Sam Dart, Jonathan Pearson, Will Fresson, Ian Sheridan, Richard Morton, Nick Cook, Nick Latcham, Sam Joe Spedding, John Huntington.

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