Match Report: Men’s 1st XI 7 Oct

Yateley 5-3 Staines

On a warm October morning, Yateley mens 1s welcomed Staines mens 2s for their 2nd league fixture of the season. From the off, a strong Yateley squad dominated possession and moved the ball around nicely. However, a counterattack from Staines resulted in a short corner. The strike from the top was saved by veteran (some may say legend) James Sabiston who deflected it onto the post with his stick!!! Unfortunately, not spotted & resulted in a second short corner, that was finished with a powerful strike.

Yateley came back strong, equalising through Tom McLean. Again, despite dominating, a quick counter from Staines resulted rash tackle & tough P flick decision from which Staines scored.
Half time, despite dominating the ball, Yateley were 2-1 down.

But this is a strong squad with belief in themselves, the system and each other. The half time team talk gave the players focus on playing good hockey.

Shortly after the restart, Sam Burnett equalised from a nice move and his celebration could be heard for miles!
Within minutes, Burnett turned in a shot/cross/mishit from Ash Morley and Yateley were 3-2 up. Again, Burnett’s screams of joy were heard all around Hampshire and he couldn’t stop talking about his goals in the clubhouse after the game.
From 2-1 down, to 3-2 up within minutes of the restart, Yateleys tails were up and they quickly moved to seal the win.

McLean scored his 2nd, and even Jacob Sealey managed to hit a clean shot to put Yateley 5-2 up.

A flying Dougie Joyce, mid air like a leaping Salmon, almost got in on the act, but could not add the finishing touches to a wonder pass from skipper Chris Hogg.

Yateley were up, but hesitant on the tackles as decisions weren’t going their way. Another attack by Staines & Will Sealey was unable to prevent Staines scoring a 3rd.

Overall, a win that was fully deserved, and Yateley are up to 4th, despite playing a game less than those above them. Great performance by the team!