Bridgnorth 1sts 2 v 2 Walsall
Scorers: Nick Gray, Tom Weston
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Bridgnorth conceded two late goals to draw their Ener-G West Midland Premier League match against Walsall on Saturday.
Having had the previous week off, Bridgnorth started well causing Walsall some early problems. Walsall got more into the game as the half progressed but Bridgnorth still held control. Half chances were missed before Nick Gray gave Bridgnorth the lead from a broken down short corner. Bridgnorth could and should have increased their lead but they couldn't quite find the final touch.
Bridgnorth again controlled most of the second half and played some excellent, expansive hockey and they deservedly went 2-0 ahead when after a fine run, Tom Weston sent an exocet into the roof of the net from the top of the "D". Bridgnorth then created some gilt-edged chances to put the game to bed, but near misses and good goal-keeping kept them at bay.
They were made to pay when with three minutes to go, Walsall pulled a goal back from a short corner. Then with seconds to go and with Bridgnorth asleep, Walsall marched into the "D" en mass and equalized, much to Bridgnorth's dismay.
As they went back to the centre spot, the whistle blew for full-time with Bridgnorth knowing they'd thrown two points away.
Bridgnorth 2nds 8 v 0 Evesham
Scorers: Rob Foster (2), Elliot Price, Ben Milner, Kev Thomas, Will Buxton, Julian Dwane, Ian Gregory
Bridgnorth travelled to Evesham in the ENER-G league on Saturday looking to maintain their 100 per cent start to the campaign. Right from the first whistle the visitors dominated their hosts with slick passing hockey that left Evesham really struggling to get a foothold in the game.
Great interpassing play involving most of the team opened up Evesham time and again, this leading to first half goals from Elliott Price, Rob Foster and Ben Milner. Had it not been for an inspired performance from the home team keeper the score at half time could quite easily been into double figures.
The second half started much the same as the first as Bridgnorth hit Evesham with wave after wave of attacking play, so much so the visitors goalkeeper Adam Wright did not have to kick the ball in anger once in the whole game. Further goals were scored with Foster adding his second, Julian Dwane steering a rising ball into the net and Kev Thomas collecting a well deserved goal.
With Ian Gregory and Will Buxton also on the mark, Bridgnorth ran out 8-0 winners and kept their place at the top of the league. Ben Milner was awarded the man of the match for his tireless efforts in midfield and Bridgnorth will look ahead to a tough encounter with Wolverhampton next week.
Bridgnorth 3rds 2 v 2 Bloxwich
Scorers: Ash Furness, Mark Eyke
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Bridgnorth made hard work of this fixture with it showing that having no game last week up set our rhythm. Their free passing game never materialised in the first half which made it easy for Bloxwich’s experienced defenders.
Bloxwich’s 10 men had a very direct approach to their game which worked for them with 40-50 yard passes getting through Bridgnorth’s midfield to their lone striker with Chris Speke having to work extra hard in defence.
Bridgnorth started the second half better creating numerous opportunities. Bridgnorth were awarded a penalty flick which Ash Furness slotted into the bottom left hand corner. Bloxwich got back to 1-1 shortly after through a penalty corner.
The game became very stretched with both teams making mistakes, with Steve Jeavons keeping Bridgnorth in the game. Mark Eyke then deflected a short corner shot into the bottom left to give the home team the lead, but unfortunately Bloxwich got a equaliser in the dying minutes. Bridgnorth had to settle with a draw as Dan Evans was named Man of the Match.
Bridgnorth 6ths 1 v 4 Wolverhampton
Scorers: Lewis Conway
Bridgnorth entertained the Wolves 5th string at home on the grass pitch on Saturday and were well in command after 20 minutes when Lewis Conway popped up on the far post to score his first goal for the club.
The visitors then re-organised their mid field bringing in more senior experienced players which meant that the home side found it more difficult to find a way through.
Wolves scored twice before the break and dominated the second half scoring another two goals before the final whistle. Toby Jordan in the Bridgnorth goal did well but could do nothing to stop the the 4 well taken goals.
Bridgnorth Ladies 1sts 4 v 3 Hinckley
Scorers: Jo Buckle (3), Ceridwen Williams
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After their impressive point at leaders Birmingham University last time out, Bridgnorth endured a nerve-jangling last ten minutes but held on for a home win against Hinckley to move up to fifth in the league.
Bridgnorth set their press up strongly, but Hinckley’s physical approach restricted their time on the ball in possession, leaving the game mostly confined to midfield in the opening stages. However, Bridgnorth took the lead through a neatly worked short corner, Helen Pittson feeding Jo Buckle for a diving finish.
The visitors hit back with a corner of their own, despite a suspicion the goal was over legal height, but an almost identical finish from Buckle restored the lead. Bridgnorth could have had another when Tracey Phillips had a shot cleared off the line, but it remained 2-1 at the break.
Hinckley’s outfield play looked more cohesive in the second spell, and their improved play paid dividends when they equalised again from a set play. However, some good work across the back line from Phillips caused chaos in the visitors’ defence and Ceridy Williams was alert to score in a goalmouth scramble.
Buckle completed her hat-trick to give Bridgnorth some breathing space, but it proved short-lived when Hinckley pulled a third goal back. Despite the late pressure though, Bridgnorth put in the work in the closing stages and in the end fully deserved their win.
Bridgnorth Ladies 2nds 4 v 0 Market Drayton
Scorers: Dawn Robinson (2), Jodie Perrins, Fay Lewis
Another brilliant team perfomance from the 2nds again this week. Bridgnorth 2nds dominated possesion and territory from the start which lead to a great goal from Dawn Robinson. Despite Bridgnorths dominence the half time score remained 1-0.
The second half started much like the first and some good pressure from Bridgnorth resulting in a penalty flick whch was calmly dispatched by Fay Lewis. 2 quickly became 3 with a well worked second goal for Dawn.
Naomi Goss then went close with a brilliant solo run from the half way line only to be denied by the post. Jodie Perrins then completed the scoring to cap off a great all-round team performance and a comprehensive 4-0 win.
The visitors responded well and Captain Jayne Wright wrapped the game up when she tapped in a cross from Naomi Goss. Yet another good team performance and excellent attitude on the pitch.
With one goal and some commanding midfield play, Fay Lewis was voted player of the match.
