Match Report: Men’s 4th XI 23 Sep

Yateley 3-1 Eastcote

Under glorious sunshine at the revered Red Fortress, Yateley faced Eastcote in the much-anticipated league opener following a week of biblical rain. The match was a remarkable showcase of skill and determination, as Yateley emerged victorious with a final score of 3-1.

Yateley's line-up boasted six debutants in the adult league, including Alfie, Ben, Isaac, Byron, Ollie, and Josh. Their enthusiasm and energy injected a new dimension into the team's performance. From the first whistle, Yateley displayed a strong grasp of possession and maintained excellent positional discipline.

The opening goal showcased the team's cohesion and precision. A well-executed move began with Dobbers, who expertly delivered the ball to the right wing, where Aider took control. With lightning speed, Aider surged down the flank, delivering a pinpoint pass to Byron, who returned the favour with a clever one-two pass. The ball was played across the goal, allowing Josh to slot it home!

In the defensive ranks, Jason and Tony exhibited impeccable organisation, effectively thwarting Eastcote's attempts to breach our defence. Ben, Jon, and Ollie contributed significantly to the team's solid backline, ensuring Yateley's lead remained intact.

Yateley continued to press forward and earned a second penalty corner. The team adapted its strategy on the fly, opting to surprise the opposition. Callum injected out a short pass to Mark and then brilliantly connected with Mark's precise delivery back on the near post, slamming the ball in. 2-0 to Yateley Mens 4’s.

The midfield quartet of Mark, Isaac, Byron and Tom, displayed remarkable offensive prowess, tirelessly pushing the team forward. During one of these surges, they passed the ball to Callum who drove into the D and expertly crossed the ball, setting up Josh for his second goal of the match, making it 3-0.

As the second half commenced, Yateley maintained their momentum from the first half. However, Eastcote launched a spirited comeback, launching numerous offensive attacks that tested Yateley's resolve. Alfie, our vigilant goalkeeper, made several crucial saves to preserve our lead.

Eastcote eventually managed to break through Yateley's defence, rapidly transitioning the ball from left to right, catching us off guard and securing their first goal, bringing the score to 3-1.

The entire team delivered stellar performances across all facets of the game, with special recognition going to 13-year-old sensation Josh, who bagged two goals and earned a well-deserved Man of the Match.

In summary, it was a fantastic win for Yateley in the season opener, marked by skill, teamwork, and an inspiring debut from our young stars. The future looks bright for Yateley Hockey Club.