Harborne Men’s 7 vs LTHC Men’s 1st XI 2
England Hockey League Conference Midlands
Loughborough Town Men’s 1s played Harborne in their debut in the England Hockey League Conference Midlands, which turned out to be a difficult season opener.
As a recently promoted side, Town started off slowly conceding three in the first quarter. The Harborne defence was difficult to break down. As Town grew into the game, they narrowed the scoreboard, bringing it back to 3-2. Inexperience at this new level showed as Harborne kept scoring at regular intervals, with the game finishing at 7-2, which possibly did not reflect how well Town played at times.
Town now looks to grow into the season with their inaugural national league home fixture against Barford Tigers next Sunday. With a 12:00 start at Loughborough University, Town will look for their home supporters to push them towards their first win in club history.
Daventry Ladies’ 1st XI 1 vs LTHC Ladies’ 2nd XI 2
Midlands Women’s Division 3 South East
Loughborough Town Ladies 2s started their season in a new league with a 2-1 win over Daventry 1s. Town started the scoring early with a well worked goal 2 minutes in from Harriet Galpin, which included a dive over the keeper to ensure the ball crossed the line. Town continued to push throughout the first half and kept the pressure on Daventry. However, midway through the first half Daventry broke through the back line of Town and were left one on one with the keeper. Kate Horrigan stood strong and saved the strong shot from the Daventry striker. Town continued to put pressure on Daventry and got the score line to 2-0 with a solid goal from Helen Lowe.
Only a few moments later, Daventry were awarded a short corner. The initial strike was defended well, however, in the second phase Daventry scored a lovely goal beating the Town defence and keeper, to leave the score line at half time as 2-1.
After the half time break, Town continued to put pressure on Daventry. This included multiple short corners, as well as 2 shots that hit the posts, including a lovely volley from Harriet Galpin, unfortunately this time unable to get the ball in the net. Town continued to put pressure on Daventry and kept the ball in the attacking half for most of the game.
In the last minute of the game, Daventry broke through Town’s defence once more, though they stood strong and prevented the equalising goal.
After a frustrating game, Town were pleased to have got the 3 points and had a positive start to the new season, and hopefully continue in their winning ways.
Newark Men’s 3rd XI 0 vs LTHC Men’s 5th XI 7
Midlands Men’s Division 9 North East
Loughborough Town Men’s 5s made an excellent start to their season on the road against Newark 3s.
Town’s new look side sporting the next cohort of juniors made the most of some early opportunities and took a well-deserved 3-0 lead into half time. Town was equally impressive in the second half with Lex Cook getting his second of the game after a flowing move from the back line saw him break through an experienced Newark defence before converting neatly.
On the final whistle town had added a further 4 goals to their first half tally to run out deserved 7-0 victors. With 5 different players on the score sheet the Men’s 5s will be looking to carry this early momentum to their game against West Bridgford next weekend.
POM: Lex Cook
