| HARPENDEN:
3
EASTBOURNE: 3
(Eastbourne won 4-3 after penalty strokes)
04.02.06
In
the second game of the weekend, Harps took on a strong Eastbourne
side in the 3rd round of the England Hockey National Trophy competition.
Captain Mike Emes was looking for a strong performance from his
side against his opposing number and old friend Floris Pietzsch.
The game started at a good pace, with Harpenden enjoying much
of the early pressure. Early chances from Aussie Lance Boyd-Clark
and forward Russ Timms should have punished an energetic Eastbourne
side, but the chances went begging. It was Eastbourne who made
the first score. After an uncharacteristic error by Mike Emes
in the defensive third, possession was lost to the Eastbourne
forwards who clinically scored the opening goal despite ‘keeper
Alan Clark getting a touch.
It was not long before the equaliser came, when Todd Baines turned
in a Russell Timms through ball. The game became more open with
both sides looking to exert their authority over the proceedings.
The visitors were able to exploit the extra space on the break
and scored two quick goals to make the score 3-1 close to half
time. However, just before the break, Captain Emes was able to
find a gap in the Eastbourne defence at a penalty corner and scored
from a trade-mark drag flick to go into the break 3-2 down.
After some stirring words at half time, Harps came out the better
side searching for the winning advantage. Some excellent hockey
and relentless pressure saw Harps score the equaliser half way
through the second half with a rebound goal from Spencer Mabanga.
The home side continued the exerted pressure and despite finding
good positions in the Eastbourne circle, poor finishing meant
they were unable to capitalise. Normal time finished with the
score level at 3-3 and an extra 15 minutes of extra time was fruitless
with neither team able to score a winning effort. The game went
to a penalty stroke competition to decide the winner.
The competition didn’t get off to a good start for the
Harpenden whites, with the opening stroke from Boyd-Clark being
saved. Further flicks from Dave Thomas, Mabanga and Emes were
converted, but with the last hit of the game Timms was unfortunate
to see his effort strike the upright leading to the game being
won 4-3 by the visiting side from the south coast.
Captain Emes was heard commenting after the game: ‘We lost
out today due to sloppy finishing in the final quarter. With the
number of chances we had, we really should have taken the game.’
No doubt Harpenden will be heading back to the coaching ground
to work on their weaknesses this week ready to face West Herts
in the league next Saturday.
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