Yateley 3-6 Hamble

Yateley Men’s 1s were in high spirits following their two recent wins against Salisbury and Romsey, and were further buoyed by the news that their very own goalie Darren Cresswell had deservedly been awarded Club Player of the Month.

Yateley hosted Hamble, a team renowned for their outstanding ability to see in the dark (apparently something to do with the vegetarian diet of the South coast team) and sitting 2nd in Hampshire Div 1.

Yateleys confidence in the lead up to pushback was dealt a mild blow, with Hamble scoring two quick goals, with the first goal conceded in the opening minute of the game. In our time of need, the team looked to the three forwards to deliver, which they promptly did, scoring a smart goal involving Dougie Joyce, Mark Laskey and a crisp finish from David Woods to bring the score back to 2-1.

The game was fractious throughout, and former Club Captain Craig Boorman showed commendable restraint after a tumble caused by a flailing Hamble stick which saw the offending player sent to the sin-bin for 2. Craig however followed soon after, receiving a green card for a stick tackle.

Hamble took control once more scoring again to make it 3-1, but Mark Laskey responded, calmly slotting home after a slick assist from Miles Eva. The score now 3-2 to the visitors.

As Yateley piled on the pressure, the opposition began to crack, and a brief period of chaos ensued after Woodsy was gently ushered off the pitch by the Hamble defender and a wild stick swing towards left back Shane Cresswell resulted in a yellow card for the opposition which really bugged their bunny. As the game rolled on, at times it seemed the opposition didn’t carrot all about playing hockey, with more players receiving cards all over the (vegetable) pitch (patch).

Half time came and the game was poised. The lads in red knew the importance of remaining calm and to carrot on. There were more goals to be had. Before the restart Captain Collins bellowed “we chantenay be beaten!” and the second half resumed.

The intensity rose and Yateley pressed hard for the equaliser, only to be undone by two Hamble goals. This did not dampen debutant Matt Rayers determination, earning his first call up to the 1XI, as he continued to tackle and challenge for every ball. Persistence paid off and a Yateley short corner was won and easily converted by Dan Jones, returning to his hockey roots at Yateley.

Time was running out for the Yateley men, and Hamble were able to find the back of the net once more. The game finally finishing 6-3 to Hamble. Despite the result, Dazza and his men will be straight back to the training ground, with fitness on Monday and training on Wednesday as they prepare for their fixture against local rivals Basingstoke.

Man of the Match was debutant Matt Rayers