Another 3 points for the Men's 2s
/Kelburne Men’s 2s v University of Glasgow Men’s 2s
24/3/2022 - 19:20pm
Kelburne 2s 4-3 UofG 2s
Scorers: JG Shepherd, Adam Bain, Fergus Duncan and Neil McIntyre
After such a strong first half of the season, start of year sitting top of the league, it is safe to say that Kelburne haven’t had the best of starts to the 2nd half of the season. Only picking up 2 points from a possible 12. For this young squad has resulted in from sitting very comfortably at the top, to fighting for 3rd place. A game under the lights at Glasgow Green was a chance to change that. Just before PB the heavens opened up which suited the pitch perfectly to play fast paced hockey.
As expected the game started off at very high tempo, Glasgow Uni pressed really high and were getting some luck with overloading the midfield. No clear-cut chances, but still threating to score. Then the opening goal came, Uni worked it well down the left-hand side creating 2v1s and managed to work the ball into the D and with an early shot came the first goal. 0-1
The lead did last long however Kelburne went straight back up the pitch and after winning a SC, the ball fell to JG who hit the ball with such little force it caused so much confusion and bounced off all the defenders sticks before trickling into the goal. 1-1
End of Q1 1-1.
The second quarter started off with a lot of good work from Kelburne, working round the back and building up. The rewards came quickly as Kelburne yet again won a SC and it was dispatched clinically by A.Bain. 2-1.
This didn’t last long however, and Uni came back the same way Kelburne did, won themselves a SC of their own and put it away into the bottom corner, keeper had no chance 2-2. As the half time whistle was coming ever closer both teams were determined to go into the break with a lead. With chances from Uni which brought out a few good saves from keeper A.Glen. and chances falling to F.Duncan, JG, C.McCaffer. just not able to finish them off, the half ended all square 2-2.
End Q2 2-2.
The second half couldn’t have started worse for Kelburne, with T.Hunt trying to dribble past 3 players and losing it causing a turnover which Uni greatly accepted and punished by putting the ball in the goal and with it going 2-3 up. Kelburne would now have to dig deep if they were to get anything from this game.
Kelburne just kept playing the way they know best, fast moving and going forward. With great play round the back from Brolly, Connor and Robbie this allowed the likes of Jack, Donaldson and Caldwell to get the ball in space and start up the attack.
Kelburne had won the ball in midfield, played forward to Duncan who had loads of space to run into, with his pace he gladly accepted it. With a pass to a teamate that turned out to be a pass to himself taking a player out the game he found himself at the top of the D which he then released a venomous hit going straight into the bottom corner 3-3 game on.
2 mins later Kelburne found themselves in the D again with a ball from the back by veteran Tervit. After a scramble in the D the ball fell to McIntyre who put the ball into the goal and with it the lead for Kelburne 4-3.
End of Q3 4-3.
The fourth quarter was understandably a nervy one. With Kelburne holding on to what they have and Uni pressing for another goal. Great play from Bolland and Hunt help ease some of the pressure whenever they had the ball was enough to help with the nerves of the squad. Uni won themselves several SC’s but Kelburne were able to deny them from getting anything else in the game. Game was controlled and the sting was taken out. End of 4Q 4-3.
Very important 3 points for Kelburne, not just to help with league position but more so for confidence. They will be wondering what could’ve been at the end of the season with regards to the league but do have a plate semi final to look forward to and are still in the hunt for some silverware, this is where the focus must lie. With such a young squad this will be huge to reach another final and should be hopeful of achieving this.
Honourable mention to M.Byrne who came off injured during the game, to E.Carmichael who was ruled out before the game and AW for watching the game during his shift. All support appreciated.
