Weekend Match Report Round Up: Saturday 15th October 2022

Redditch Men’s 1s vs Cannock

On Saturday 15th, Redditch Kingfishers clashed with Cannock Hockey Club at home. Both teams expected a win, and it was evident from the off that both sides would fight for it. Cannock opened the scoring swiftly through a 2 v 1 on the keeper. James Makin returned, this week, to give Redditch some much needed dynamism. Another new name on the teamsheet was the fresh signing, Richard Weaver, who bolstered the Redditch midfield. However, it was the maverick Andy Billingham that opened the scoring for the home side.

The Kingfishers had secured a short corner from some good circle play. Billingham stepped up and finished with a low drag flick. Cannock made life difficult for the home crowd playing fast but organised hockey. In the dying embers of the first half, Cannock threw a couple more efforts, but were repelled. Tensions were high and stick tackles were common in the first half, with both sides receiving a caution. Cannock kept the pressure on from the start of the second half. They had some surging runs which lead to the Stags exploiting a defensive hole, firing the ball into the D from the midfield, for a deflection round the keeper.

For Redditch, there were some occasional chances in and around the Cannock goal which were left wanting. The frustration was evident in Redditch strikers. Redditch Goalkeeper, Joe Cardy, made a valiant effort diving to bat away short corner attempts and thunderous hits from the opposition. But it wasn’t enough – a third attempt on goal was hit away but rebounded into the lap of a high Cannock forward, which, when stood on the back post, was put away. Jacob Beard, affectionately known as JB, provided the Redditch second goal. It came from a rocket of a short corner.

It was Weaver though that caused a stir in the second half as a well executed dribble through the midfield drew several stick tackles and forced a penalty. The Cannock opponents were aghast when one of their challenges received a green. Mike Richardson received a green card early in the second half for a peculiar challenge despite having the ball in his possession. Young Jack Gwyer scored a sensational reverse hit in the second half to put Redditch back in the game. It came after a counter down the right wing, in which Jack danced through several defenders and made his way along the baseline.

Cannock immediately hit back with a fourth, and final goal, which was a well worked short corner. The Cannock Stags played it round in the set piece well and had an attacker on the back post for a deflection.

Final score: Redditch 3 – 4 Cannock

Kings Heath 1s vs Redditch Men’s 2s

Redditch 2nd XI put in another brilliant team performance on Saturday, beating Kings Heath 1s 4-2. Despite an early goal for the hosts, Redditch re-grouped and started to gain control of the game after a tweak to the system. The youngsters in the team continue to impress this season and played massive parts in all four goals, which came from Lee Beedon (2) and Josh Checkley (2). The 2nd’s next game is a tough test against Kingswinford 2s, 3pm start at home on 29th October.

Final score: Kings Heath 2 – 4 Redditch

Redditch Men’s 3s vs Old Silhillians 5s

The match started with Redditch looking to take control of the game early, and move the ball around quickly. Redditch youngsters Elliot Ford striking the post, Miller Glen, and Leo Jones all having attempts at goal early on, before Wayne Beard calmly set 13 year old Hadley Kilkenny up for his first ever senior goal, in only his second match. Redditch went from strength to strength from there with Miller Glen and Hadley Kilkenny scoring the second and 3rd goals respectively.

Second half started with Old Sils looking to get forward, and it took some top defending from returning player Alex Ward to prevent them getting through on goal. This then was followed up with Miller grabbing his second of the game after a great run and calm finish. Old Sils were still trying to get forward and young goalkeeper Aryn Welsh had kept his concentration enough to make a great save, keeping his clean sheet intact. Redditch then re-established themselves in the game winning numerous penalty corners, and always looking to get forward, playing excellent hockey in doing so.

Redditch then scored 3 quick fire goals at the end of the game, with Miller Glen completing his hat trick, his brother Marshall Glen scoring after a penalty corner, and Leo Jones scoring at the front post. This result sees the 3s stay at the top of their division.

Final score: Redditch 7 – 0 Old Silhillians

City of Birmingham 2s vs Redditch Women’s 2s

Redditch Ladies 2s headed to Perry Barr for this week’s away fixture against City of Birmingham 2s. The young side came out strong and kept possession convincingly throughout most of the game, pushing high up the pitch to keep pressure on the City of Birmingham team. Redditch Ladies made good use of their pace and with quick, accurate passing the pressure eventually was rewarded with a goal for Ava Goodman. The opposition reacted with gusto and soon equalised just before half time from a short corner.

The Redditch Ladies aren’t a team to feel disheartened and kept their heads high after half time. A sharp set piece at a penalty corner saw defender Holly Hancocks sweep in a second goal following a strong pass from Captain Louise Jennings, shortly followed by another runaway goal from Alice Wright . Strong play on the left wing from Frankie Griffiths kept City of Birmingham on their toes with a fourth and final goal belonging to Tula Williams’ strong accurate first strike from another penalty corner.

The defence did well to keep out a final approach from the opposition with the final score a well deserved 4-1 to the Redditch team, making it four wins from four games. All eyes are on this promising and exciting team as they take on Kings Heath next at the end of October.

Final score: City of Birmingham 1 – 4 Redditch

Evesham & Badsey Badgers vs Redditch Badgers

It was back-to-back wins for the Badgers and back-to-back hat-tricks for Theo Cook, who went on to have a really disciplined role in defence allowing others to shine up front. This led to three further goals in the 2nd half, the first a well taken penalty corner shot by from Ethan Cook, whose strike slipped between the legs of the keeper, this was shortly followed up by a well-timed run and back post finish by Elsie Simpson. The final goal saw a looping shot by Arran Smith which went over the head of the keeper to hit the backboard.

Despite the score line it was a great display by the Evesham goalkeeper, who frustrated the Redditch attack for long periods during the game. Player of the match was Theo Cook.

Final score: Evesham & Badsey 0 – 6 Redditch