LTHC Men’s 3rd XI 1 vs Derby Men’s 1st XI 5
MRHA T2 – East Midlands 1
Saturday 25th January 2020
The Men’s 3rd XI came into the game knowing 3 points would keep them clear from the bottom of the table teams, with Derby being one of them. This before the game was always going to be a tough task as through injury and unavailability Town had five debutants in the side.
Town started well, though went down 1-0 as Derby converted on a second strike from a short corner, after Metcalf had made the initial save.
Whilst Town made some ventures into the visitor’s half nothing came to make a dent in the score line.
Town defended well, though their undoing was giving away too many short corners. Derby capitalised on these opportunities scoring three more goals to take the lead into halftime at 4-0.
A positive and encouraging halftime team talk given by Captain Dalby, seemed to rally the home side as Town came out playing a lot better hockey. However, Derby added to their tally from open play after a cross was smartly deflected into Town’s goal.
Despite the setback Town started gaining more possession of the ball and whilst retaining it a lot better. This lead to numerous chances which the home side couldn’t put away.
Eventually Town got what they deserved from a short corner. With a well worked move the ball was switched to the right across the top of the D, where Lamb drilled the ball into the far left corner of the goal.
Town pressed for more goals but it wasn’t to be, and the game went to Derby 5-1, as they moved to within 2 points of Town in the table. Whilst not the result Town wanted, it was a great team performance, especially from all the players making their debut.
Another important game next week for Town as they go away to play bottom of the table side Ramgarhia (Derby), in which 3 points are essential to keep them away from getting dragged nearer the bottom of the table.
