Derby Day at Dalnacraig

In glorious conditions at Dalnacraig for fast flowing hockey, our 2s squad, boosted by the return of Alfie Bonnar, John Donald and Murdo Kiddie from their efforts in the 1s over the recent weeks, were keen to attack at all costs against a very frustrated Wanderers squad.

During the initial ‘feeling out’ period of quarter 1, our team dominated possession but with no success until Coach Chris brought on Will Murray to use all of his experience to score with his first touch. Will again touched the ball for his second touch of the match, and again the ball hit the back of the net for his second of the game, and we took the quarter lead 2-0.

The message was clear from Coach Chris at the interval, ‘let the ball do the work’, and our team answered with Will diving to make his third contact of the game, and completed his hatrick. John Donald completed the scoring for the half, with a ripper from the edge of the ‘D’.
Halftime 4-0.

Moving into the third quarter, Alfie, John and Sam were dominating possession in the midfield and playing some great passes to our front line who were always full of running. Oliver Cooper scored at the back post after a fantastic move started in our own half, weaving from one side of the pitch to the other, with Oliver cooly despatching the shot. Alfie then stepped up and cracked in the 6th goal, beating the keeper with a rasping shot from the edge of the ‘D’. Just rewards for a dominant display from Alfie.

With us now 6-0 up going into the fourth quarter, Coach Chris wanted more but also reminded the defensive line to use their experience to shut out the opposition. We started quickly with Murdo finishing another following passing move, with a neat drive into the keepers far corner. Unfortunately, we took the foot off the gas and had a slip in our concentration, and allowed Wanderers a late consolation goal. Disappointing end to a good team performance.

Thanks to Tom for umpiring in ‘difficult conditions’, and to our young squad for keeping their focus throughout, whilst others were failing.
With a free weekend next week for the 2s, Coach Chris will work the boys over the next four sessions, leading into our away fixture with Harris 1s.