Bromac Kelburne Mens 1s Beat Hillhead
/On Sunday 1.10.17
The second game of the weekend was played out in poor conditions at GHK. Kelburne looked to put the disappointing draw from Saturday behind them and get back to winning ways. Again playing without their coach the team looked in the mood from the start. A long ball into the Hillhead circle seen a diving Chris Caldwell send his deflection just an inch or two over the bar. Some quick passing around the defence allowed Kelburne to win their first corner of the game. A well executed routine was finished by Mike Nicol, the defender sent the keeper the wrong way allowing him to give the team the lead. The team again played some very good hockey and created some good chances. Hillhead typically looked to hit on counter with long ball hockey which was well handled by the defensive play from the team. The second goal came from Johnny Christie, some fast attacking play was finished in style by the striker who had just about managed to see the ball through his rain soaked specs. The game was going to plan until a ball played from outside the circle hit two kelburne sticks and evaded the kelburne keeper. Both umpires seemed to miss this and awarded a goal to Hillhead.
The game began to get a bit heated and the interval came at the perfect time to cool things off. The second half started and kelburne couldn't get a grip on the game. Hillhead seemed to find space too easily and with the game becoming tennis like found space in the 'D' and levelled up. Right back Gary Maitles was the next to go close with an uncharacteristic dive to try deflect the ball into the net, unfortunately his defensive mentality seemed to kick in and he cleared the ball of the Hillhead goal. A series of corners were won and wasted by Kelburne, Ben Peterson on another day could have walked away with 4 or 5 to his name. The forward had a difficult Sunday. Kelburne eventually found the 3rd through Chris Nelson, the veteran midfielder won the game with a simple tap in that even he couldn't miss. With minutes remaining Kelburne looked to keep control of the ball and not allow Hillhead any opportunities. With a win and 3 points the main aim the team was successful but improvements are needed going forward.
The squad now look forward to one last training session on Tuesday before traveling to Barcelona on Wednesday to play in this year's EHL.
