A loss against another top team

After an opening to the season playing the top three teams in the league, before a lower team last week, NSHC Men’s 3s were playing the team 4th in the league. Two players didn’t realise that although it was away to Firebrands, we were playing at Clevedon School, well earning points towards the D*** of the day.

The team started well and the pressure swung from team to team repeatedly with neither team created many real opportunities. Once the two extra subs arrived, North were able to roll their subs through well, especially as the wingers had been tasked with a lot of running, so Charlie Colling and Tim Humphries swapped continuously on the right and Dan Kaye and Dan Dudley on the left. The two midfields both seemed to find a lot of space, but although North used both wings, Brands were very effective at just driving down the left with a particularly skilful player and meant that Brands went in 2-0 up.

A halftime talk from Colin Ainsworth and Phil Toomey highlighted just a few points for us to work on and we came out ready for the second half, but immediately let in another goal! We did however improve and get a goal from a series of penalty corners via a fine strike from Neil Edwards. We carried on with the pressure and worked the ball out from the back well passing through all parts of the team including a good run by Charlie until a pass to the base line found captain Colin Ainsworth, who got away from one defender and as the goal keeper came out a shout from Dan K was hear and a slip left took the keeper out and Dan had a tap in to crown his performance. Although we thought we were in with a chance and final break by Brands gave them another goal and then it became a bit of a stalemate until the final whistle and a 4-2 loss. Man of the match was Dan Kaye (sponsored by Bridgwater Mercure Hotel) for a great effort both going forward and defensive effort.

A week off due to the uneven numbers in the league next week will be welcome.