Hailsham Hockey Club |
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Affiliated to: Sussex Hockey Association |
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For the second time this season Hailsham conceded a last minute equaliser and left the pitch thinking that two points had been dropped rather than one point gained.
The result was doubly frustrating because this was a game that Hailsham dominated for long periods with intelligent attacking play that led to two disallowed goals and a hatfull of short corners. The Hailsham forwards carved out a number of strikes on goal but a combination of mishit shots, goal line clearances and goal keeping heroics saved the day for St Francis.
There was, however, nothing that the St Francis defence could do to stop Hailsham taking the lead after forty minutes. At yet another short corner Neil Philllips pushed out to Sam Rham who controlled the ball and set up Mike Dixon whose shot from the left hand side of the D went in at the far post. This heralded Hailsham's best period of the game with Sam Rham's forceful runs up front provoking increasingly desperate tackles whilst Neil Phillips worked productively in central midfield. James Dyer lookied dangerous coming in from the left wing and it seemed likely that Hailsham would increase their lead.
St Francis were forced to play on the counter attack throughout the game but the Hailsham defence well marshalled by Martin Headey was not unduly troubled. On the odd occasion St Francis did break through keeper Dave Hathaway made important blocks and as time ticked away it looked as though Hailsham would be celebrating their second win of the season.
However, with just two minutes to go a promising Hailsham attack was checked just in front of the St Francis D and ten seconds later the ball was in the back of the Hailsham goal via three direct long balls into the danger area.
At the final whistle disappointment was the dominant emotion for the Hailsham outfit but much encouragement could be taken from the tightness of the defence and the number of chances created by the midfield and attack.
Hailsham seconds were beaten 4-0 for the second week in a row, but turned in a better performance than in previous weeks.
In contrast with the last two disappointing performances, Hailsham at least looked like scoring against a strong Crawley side who had imported some players from their third eleven.
Reaching the interval at 2-0 down, a lively Hailsham opening to the second half could have changed the course of the game.
William Martin had the ball in the net with a great drive from a short corner, but the goal was disallowed as the ball had not been stopped dead, while soon after James Clarke had a goalbound shot cleared off the line by the last defender.
But despite competing well throughout the second half, Hailsham never managed to make the breakthrough and two more goals from the visitors rounded off a victory that was not as comprehensive as the scoreline suggested.
Hailsham defended resiliently and keeper Craig Tasane saved a penalty for the second successive game. In a good-natured match the side's disciplinary problems unfortunately surfaced again with Geoff Farnes shown the yellow card for a foul.
Saturday sees Hailsham travel to take on Penguins V away.
Hailsham Ladies continued their unbeaten streak with a 2-0 victory over Lewes III's in a rearranged fixture.
In a flowing game, Lewes held Hailsham for most of the 1st half, but with sustained pressure being exerted by the Hailsham midfield and forward line, several short corners were earned.
In impressive style, Hailsham scored from one such short corner. A push out from Toni Hobden, stopped dead by Helen Major who squared to Alison Headey to power the ball home. 1-0 at the turnaround to Hailsham.
The game continued with good hockey from both sides in the second half, but Hailshams defence were strong and determined, and Lewes managed few chances.
With minutes to go, a strong run from Toni Hobden released Helen Major to score the decisive winner, and Hailsham secure 3 points.
With 3 wins from 3, Hailsham are enjoying a good start to the league campaign.