Weekend Match Report Round Up: Saturday 24th September 2022

Redditch Men’s 1s vs. Solihull Blossomfield 1s

The Mens 1st team have started off the season well with a 3-1 win over Solihull Blossomfield. The game opened with a slow start from Redditch which invited pressure from Solihull Bloss’ forwards who capitalised on a loose pass to start the scoring 1-0. After this wake up call Redditch stepped up their game with well worked midfield play from Johnny Styzaker and Dan Jakeman creating opportunities for Redditch’s front three to pile on pressure the opposite end.

Redditch were awarded a short corner which was flicked low into the bottom right corner by Jacob Beard to level the game. Redditch again capitalised on building offensive pressure drawing some good saves from Solihull Blossomfield’s keeper until a well worked offensive move led to Dan Jakeman deflecting one home to make it 2-1. Redditch capped off this 3-1 win with the second phase of a short corner for Beard to get his second with a reverse stick shot bouncing past the keeper closing out the game. The Men’s 1s look to add to this tally with the next game against Barford Tigers.

Final score: Redditch 3-1 Solihull Blossomfield

Solihull Blossomfield 2s vs. Redditch Men’s 2s

The 2nd XI had a confident start to their away game against Solihull Blossomfield 2’s, going 2-0 up early on thanks to quick-fire goals from Lee Beedon and Ethan Smith. A much improved second half from the hosts saw them regain control of the game and apply constant pressure all over the pitch. Despite this, Beedon managed to find a gap in the defence and play Harry Gwyer in one-on-one with the goalkeeper, who calmly slotted the ball home. A game full of positive performances from the youngsters, with clear areas for improvement as a team going into the next game against City of Birmingham 1s.

Final score: Solihull Blossomfield 5-3 Redditch

Redditch Men’s 3’s vs Worcester 7’s

A barnstorming start to the season for Redditch HC’s Mens 3rd team, with a dominant 10-0 home victory against Worcester HC 7th team. Redditch’s team comprised some familiar faces from last season, but were
much strengthened from emerging younger players, and welcome returners from past seasons. Goals were spread across the team, with six players getting on the scoresheet: Goals came from unselfish open play,
bypassing the visitors’ defence; and from well-worked short corner routines. Scorers were Miller Glen (2), Marshall Glen (2), Mark Gosnell (2), Wayne Beard (2), Russ Baldwin and Ben MacFarland.

Final score Redditch 10-0 Worcester

Bromsgrove Ladies 5s vs Redditch Ladies 2s

A young and enthusiastic Ladies 2 team started the season off confidently with a 3-1 win away against Bromsgrove 5s. Without a goalkeeper, the Redditch ladies played with 11 outfield players and pressed high up
the pitch to keep the ball as far out of their own D as possible. The tactic worked, and Bromsgrove only managed to get one shot on goal throughout the match, with cool, calm and solid performances from all four
defenders.

The midfielders utilised quick and accurate short passes to move the ball around the Bromsgrove defence with some lovely runs up the wing. The first goal belonged to Pheobe Kershaw with a strong strike during open play. Bromsgrove quickly regrouped and a quick breakaway allowed one of their forwards to easily push the ball into an open goal. Both subsequent goals for Redditch came as a result of short corners. Becki Clarke’s powerful strikes were saved by the Bromsgrove keeper but then deflected in with a near post deflection by Jo Reaney and Teagan Guilfolye skillfully rolled out and slotted the ball past the keeper for her goal.

A special mention is deserved for Ava Goodman (who joined the team from the Badgers squad) for her clean and skillful tackles in right defence although overall, it was good teamwork that won the day for Redditch with strong possession throughout and a solid team performance.

Final score – Bromsgrove 1-3 Redditch

Bromsgrove Badgers vs Redditch Badgers

With the introduction of several new players experiencing a full 11 aside game for the first time, it was a nervous start for the Redditch Badgers who found themselves under quite a lot of pressure, and unfortunately
they conceded 2 early goals. However, with a few tweaks to the formation, and the introduction of a goalkeeper on loan from Bromsgrove, the Redditch players grew in confidence.

Going into the 2nd half Redditch started to use their wide players more and Simpson drove down the right wing to put a dangerous ball across the penalty area, this was collected by Kilkenny who came running in from the opposite wing to score. The momentum was firmly with Redditch at this stage, and Cook playing in a deeper midfield role was able to create several chances for his teammates, but it was his own drive into the area and an early short that secured the 2nd goal, bringing the score line level on 2 all.

This seemed to awaken the Bromsgrove team and within 5 minutes they were ahead again, and it was painful to watch the ball trickle over the line after the fightback we had seen. With only five minutes left the tension was building and Redditch were back on the attack and the ball fell to new one of the new members of the team, Smith, who placed the ball wide of the keeper’s reach to bring the teams level again. Going into the last minute, Redditch thought they had secured the win with another strike from Cook, only to be denied by the post, but a 3 all draw was a fair result and the end of a great game of hockey.

Final score: Bromsgrove Badgers 3-3 Redditch Badgers