Hailsham Hockey Club |
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Affiliated to: Sussex Hockey Association |
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Hailsham produced a magnificent performance to get the better of a fast, skilful Crawley side on Saturday.
Early exchanges suggested problems for Hailsham with the Crawley midfield and forwards fizzing like fireworks around the Hailsham half. When the visitors took the lead after fifteen minutes it was clear that Crawley thought they were heading for a hatfull of goals. However, they were guilty of underestimating the fighting spirit of the home side as Hailsham gradually got their tactics right. These were based around denying the opposition time on the ball, marking like leeches and competing hard for every 50/50 ball. When in possession they looked to launch quick counter attacks and gradually as the half wore on Crawley knew they were in for a tough game. This was confirmed when Hailsham got the equaliser their tenacious play deserved. Mike Dixon cracked a long free hit into the D and Ben Stiles was on hand to sweep the ball into the goal. Five minutes later the team was ecstatic when they went one better and took the lead with a great example of swift counter attacking hockey.
Jim Major broke up an attack on the edge of the Hailsham D and launched a ball out to the left wing. James Dyer made good progress down the left whilst Neil Phillips went on a long supporting run through the midfield. Dyer's shot was blocked and half cleared but Phillips was rewarded for his lung busting run when he collected the clearance just outside the D before getting into the shooting zone and powering the ball past the Crawley keeper.
At half time Hailsham knew that only another half of total commitment could possibly keep a talented Crawley side at bay and that is exactly what they produced. Although forced to defend for two thirds of the game Hailsham looked dangerous on the break all afternoon and ten minutes into the second half they actually made it 3 - 1 when Ian Johnson smashed in a goal from the acutest of angles.
Crawley now threw everything at the Hailsham goal but were met by a towering performance from Sam Rham at centre back who was ably supported either side by full backs Jim Major and Laurens Dyer. Inevitably though with Crawley attacking flat out they created chances and Hailsham were indebted to Dave Hathaway who pulled off three crucial saves including one when the Crawley centre forward had an age to steady himself and shoot. He unleashed a missile that somehow Hathaway managed to block with his chest and Hailsham breathed easily for a moment even if the Hailsham keeper couldn't for a while.
With ten minutes remaining a nerve wracking finale was set up when Crawley eventually managed to crack the heroic Hailsham defence and at 3-2 it was now desperate stuff. The Hailsham players had run themselves almost to a stand still but somehow they managed to cling on with Steve Johnson and Richard Bishop putting in decisive tackles in the last couple of minutes before the final whistle allowed eleven exhausted players to celebrate their finest win of the season.
This Saturday Hailsham travel to Worthing to take on league leaders Penguins 2nds.
Hailsham seconds were beaten for the fourth game in a row but the outcome of this division four game might have been quite different if not for the absence of goalkeeper Craig Tasane.
With no replacement keeper available, it fell to captain Henry Drake, usually more at home in midfield, to play in goal for the first time ever. And although he made some good saves, Drake inevitably let in some shots an experienced keeper would have stopped.
Only one of the home side's five goals came from open play and with a full side available Hailsham could well have picked up at least a draw.
Starting the game with only ten men due to forward Geoff Farnes arriving late because of transport problems, Hailsham were soon a goal behind. But they competed strongly and it was only 2-0 by half time.
Penguins scored twice quickly after the break to clinch the victory, but Hailsham fought on impressively. The forwards linked up well, and with strong support coming from midfield, the team scored their first goals in four games. Gary Hastings made it 4-1 after good work by Don Patterson and after Penguins had added a fifth, Hastings struck again with the final touch of the game, hitting home what looked a goalbound shot from Tony Newton.
The seconds will look to build on this encouraging performance when they take on St Francis II at home on Saturday (11.30am start).
Hailsham ladies experienced a rare defeat at the hands of a very competent South Saxons side going down 3 - 1
Not quite at full strength Hailsham were indebted to two new players Vicky Young and Mary Major who both gave encouraging debut performances.
At the end of the first half Hailsham were still very much in the game trailing just 2 - 1 and boosted by a fine goal from Helen Major. However, the game was put beyond reach in the second half when Saxons made it 3 - 1
Hailsham will be hoping to bounce straight back next week when they travel to Horsham.