Bridgnorth 1sts 3 v 1 Finchfield
Scorers: James Speke (2), Pete Evans
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Bridgnorth earned a hard fought victory over local rivals Finchfield in their ENER-G West Midlands Premier league match on Saturday.
Bridgnorth started brightly and began to dominate possession from the pushback, however they lacked their usual fluency when going forward and couldn’t quite find the final decisive touch. Numerous chances were created but Bridgnorth made life easy for the Finchfield keeper with some tame efforts.
For all Bridgnorth’s dominance it was Finchfield who took the lead with an effort at the back post after Bridgnorth had given the ball away cheaply. Finchfield could have doubled their lead shortly after when they were awarded a penalty stroke but keeper Lez Evans made a fantastic save to deny the visitors.
After a stern talk at half time, Bridgnorth came out strong in the second half. They upped the intensity and tempo of the game and dominated the whole half. Patience was needed with Finchfield putting many players behind the ball to stifle Bridgnorth’s play.
Bridgnorth were rewarded when James Speke equalised after a good move. Bridgnorth worked hard as a team to win the ball back and keep the pressure on the Finchfield defence. After many short corners Bridgnorth eventually took the lead when Speke added his second from the top of the D.
Bridgnorth continued to press and showed a fantastic attitude and will to win which was made easier late on when Pete Evans smashed the ball in from close range to make it 3-1.
Bridgnorth 2nds 4 v 1 Tamworth
Scorers: Harry Harbage, Rob Foster, Julian Dwane, Will Weir
Bridgnorth travelled to Tamworth in their latest ENER-G league game, and game up against a very physical opposition. However Bridgnorth reacted to this by playing their usual high paced flowing hockey, that put their hosts on the back foot.
Harry Harbage collected a ball just inside the Tamworth half, beating a couple of players then turning tight in the ‘D’ to fire past a stranded keeper. A second goal soon followed when Will Weir converted direct from a penalty corner.
Tamworth tried to stem the flow, but other chances were created and spurned by the Bridgnorth side. Just before the break Julian Dwane was picked out inside the ‘D’ by the impressive Ben Milner and Dwane coolly slapped the ball in from a narrow angle.
Starting the second half 3-0 up Bridgnorth continued to press creating numerous opportunities however the Tamworth defence stood firm together with the home keeper, although Bridgnorth would have been disappointed not to have collected a couple of penalty strokes. When the hosts did try and attack Bridgnorth’s defensive line stood firm with man of match James Lloyd outstanding, with Ad Wright making a couple of sharp reaction saves in goal.
Bridgnorth collected a 4th goal when Harbage again went on a mazy run to find the tireless Rob Foster to fire home. Soon after Bridgnorth were disappointed to concede a goal from a short corner, their first goal conceded in the league in over seven and a half hours.
The game finished with Bridgnorth collecting their 13th win, maintaining their 100 percent record and extending the margin at the top of the table to eight points with nearest rivals Old Sills losing. Bridgnorth entertain Droitwich next week, looking to extend their current good form.
Bridgnorth Ladies 2nds 1 v 0 Wem
Scorers: Naomi Goss
Another gutsy performance from Bridgnorth 2nds mean they stay top of the Shropshire League after a hard fought 1-0 win away at second placed Wem.
Wem created a couple of good chances early on but some good work from Kelly Taylor-Cartwright, Ali Prosser and Chloe Lewis at the back kept the hosts at bay.
As the half wore on Bridgnorth started to create chances and get more possession. Good wing play from Sami Wright and Ruth Goss creating the best of the first half openings. At half time the scores were level between two evenly matched sides.
The second half started much like the first ended; with Bridgnorth having the better of the possession without creating too many clear cut opportunities. Solid midfield play from Dawn Robinson meant the hosts couldn’t break Bridgnorth down.
Good work from Bridgnorth lead to a short corner which proved decisive as Bridgnorth took the lead through Naomi Goss. The final minutes were tense for Bridgnorth but they hung on for the win which keeps them top of the league.
