This week we have match reports from the M3 and L3.
LTHC Men’s 3rd XI 0 vs Market Harborough 1st XI 5
Midlands Men’s Division 5 East
After a week off Loughborough Town 3rd XI faced a tough away game against 5th place Market Harborough 1st XI, who had beat them earlier in the season 4-3.
The game didn’t start well for Town when they gave the home side an early penalty corner in the first five minutes which Harborough scored from, to take the early 1-0 lead. Not getting up to the pace of the game which Harborough were playing at Town were constantly on the back foot being forced to defend. The home side moved the ball around with ease creating many chances which Town’s defence managed to clear. Town managed a few attacks of their own, though nothing to challenge the home side’s defence. Mid-way through the first half the inevitable second goal came, as the home side took a 2-0 lead into half time.
As the second half started Town came out a better side and with that gained some more possession. Though they still struggled to maintain any good possession in the opponent’s half which would lead to chances in the D to shoot on goal. Town’s only real chance of the game came from a reverse stick shoot which glanced the left post as it went wide.
As the second half progressed Town were doing well to keep the score line at 2-0, though in the last fifteen minutes some lapses in concentration lead to two quick Harborough goals within minutes, as the game was finally put out of the reach of the away side. Harborough scored their fifth five minutes from the end of the game, making the final score 5-0. A well-deserved win for the home side who played some really good hockey.
Whilst a disappointing loss Town need to put that behind them as they take on second from bottom side Nuneaton 1st XI at home next Saturday, in an important game which they need to take the three points from.
LTHC Ladies’ 3rd XI 3 vs Towcester 3rd XI 0
Midlands Women’s Division 4 Nene / Charnwood
On a beautiful sunny Saturday at 13:30 the match between Loughborough Town 3rd XI and Towcester 3rd XI pushed back. It lived up to expectations as a tough match between 7th and 8th in the table with equal points.
Town started with some strong transfers round the back by Iris Broekhuijzen, Annabel Page, Kate Bowyer and Tara Vincent, allowing the ball to be moved from side to side up the pitch. Strong play between Emily Quinn, Fran Bucher and Sophie Baker led to chances in the D, and one of these was converted by Fran Bucher for Town’s first goal.
Following the goal Town continued their strong passing in midfield and some excellent play from forwards Charlie Worth (who made her debut for Town) and Sam Dalby gave Town multiple penalty corners in the first half. Unfortunately, none of these were converted into goals.
After a short break at half time, Town reset to a stronger Towcester. The pressure on Town’s defence was dealt with well by the defence, as they kept the away side from scoring. Town managed to get back in to their excellent passing in midfield, putting Emily Quinn in scoring position, who converted the chance, 2-0 to Town!
During the final fifteen minutes Town were the stronger team with attack after attack launched at Towcester’s defence. Another penalty corner with a straight strike from Fionnhuala Davies, made it into the back of the net. Final score 3-0 to Town who have now overtaken Towcester in the table moving to 7th place, and now have also won more games than they have lost!
Next week sees Town travel to bottom of the table side Market Harborough 2nd XI.
