LTHC Men’s 1st XI 1 vs Lichfield 1st XI 3
England Hockey League Conference Midlands
Loughborough Town 1s fresh from a win on the road at St Albans lined up against Cambridge University at home
Under the lights late on Saturday Loughborough Town 1s took on Lichfield 1s after tracking across the muddy field from the clubhouse. Town again started slowly by shipping two quick goals in the first quarter. The first goal was well worked being passed around Toby Jackson in goal, and the second being an old school hit into the circle and deflected on its way through to goal.
After the slow start Town worked their way into the game and had two better quarters, though couldn’t put a goal on the score card.
Towards the end of the third quarter, after a Lichfield green card, Town lost possession just outside their half, which the home side converted to take a 3-0 lead heading into the last quarter.
The final quarter was a frantic affair with Town putting pressure on Lichfield’s defence, and it was soon capped off by a consolation goal from Ryan Day. A low drag flick from a well worked short corner ending the scoring at 3-1, with the home side taking all three points.
Next week Town are back at home to play Bedford 1s, which is a 12:30 start at Loughborough University on the water base pitch. All supporters welcome.
Player of the game – Toby Jackson
LTHC Ladies’ 3rd XI 0 vs Leicester City 4th 3
Friendly
With a break in the league, Loughborough Town Ladies 3rd XI hosted Leicester City 4th XI in a friendly. Would Town be able to return to their winning form of two weeks ago? Only the next 70 minutes would tell.
City won the toss and after a slight mistake sent the ball flying off Town’s back line, not quite the friendly start they had planned. Town retrieved the ball and started to work their way out of their own half. Town, who were fielding a new look side, featuring at least 7 players making their debut, definitely started slightly on the back foot, but under the leadership of some seasoned players the team soon settled down.
The game ebbed and flowed throughout the first half, with City having a few more chances, which they managed to convert as the half time whistle blew. As the second half started Town reflected on the halftime team talk by captains Broekhuijzen and Perry, where the focus was on communication, holding the shape and that for a new team, everything was going well. As the half-progressed Town gained a penalty corner which City defended well and then went on to double their lead, followed by a third quite sooner after.
As the final whistle blew, Town were definitely able to take huge positives from the game despite the score line, and look forward to playing City later in the season.
