Minehead 2,

Sidmouth & Ottery Hockey Club Men’s A, 0

Any fears SOHC A team had of travelling to table topping Minehead were soon allayed as they took a grip on this game with the majority of possession, moving the ball well from both wings and troubling the home defence continually, without really threatening the goal, writes Mark Moore.

SOHC thought they had taken the lead when Lloyd Colin, moving across the top of the D, dummied his first shot before sweeping home his second on the reverse. Initially, the goal was given until the umpire changed her mind after protestations from the home side as Colins’ first dummy strike deemed to have been dangerous. The irony of this decision was later demonstrated as mis-hits, lifted strikes and callous late tackles, were, all bar one, unpunished by the same umpire!

Against the run of play a lapse of concentration saw Minehead presented with a two on one overload on the SOHC and their forward was able to slot the ball past the outstretched SOHC keeper.

The second half was a mirror of the first with SOHC playing the better hockey but, despite the majority of possession, they were unable to make their territorial advantage count and, once again, against the run of play Minehead, much to their relief, extended the lead. SOHC lost defender Rick Robinson taking a nasty stick strike just below the knee which felled the big man.

Yet again SOHC came back at their hosts, showing true spirit and could so easily have levelled the game - Mike Bell going just wide with a drag flick from a penalty corner and then Anthony Dibble, diving at the far post from a Lloyd Colin cross, was dismayed to see his effort go tantalising close.

SOHC can be pleased with their work rate and possession and on another day the result would have matched their endeavours.

This week they are at home (Sidmouth) 1.30pm pushback, all support welcome

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