Redditch Hockey Club

With just four games left to play, Redditch Hockey Club may look back at this season and wonder what if?

A characteristic of last seasons decent mid table placing in the MRHA West Midlands Premier was their confidence and accuracy in front of goal.

They scored 62 times last year, the third highest in the division, but have only netted 45 in the current campaign.

Whatever provided that level of confidence is sorely missed, as the Mens 1^st XI suffered more late heartbreak on Saturday, losing 3-2 at home to Finchfield.

It had all looked so promising early on, with the Kingfishers creating numerous good chances, but wasted two clear-cut opportunities to break the deadlock.

Redditch’s sloppy finishing was punished on the 20-minute mark as a counter attack from the visitors saw them take an unlikely lead.

The goal stunned the Reds, and what was a bright start became rather scrappy.

It was no surprise to see Finchfield capitalise ten minutes later and extend their lead.

Coach Wayne Beard’s half time team talk must have been inspiring though, as Redditch came out a totally different side after the break.

Play was sharp, confident and controlled, and opportunities on goal were more and more frequent.

Eventually this spell of pressure paid off with Steve Cook slamming home for his 12^th goal of the campaign.

Within five minutes the scores were level. Paul Markhams’ searing run from defence created a free hit, the resulting play releasing Richard Sellors to hit the back of the net, his second goal in two games.

Moments later Redditch missed a golden opportunity to take the lead, captain Andy Brooks putting the un-marked Dave Smith clear on goal only to see his effort narrowly wide.

Redditch continued to dominate, with Finchfield firmly pegged back into their own half.

But with just two minutes remaining, Finchfield made their move and scored a goal that could prove crucial in Redditch’s battle against relegation.

Once again a lack of focus in the closing stages has resulted in another defeat, and results elsewhere mean Redditch are now four points from safety with only four games left to play.

.