Men's 2s vs Newcastle University 4

Match day 9 for the season meant a home game against a young and energetic Newcastle University 4s side for the mighty 2s at home. A positive result would mean we keep the pressure on the top of the table teams.

They came with a full squad and looked quite fresh for uni students on a Saturday morning.

The morning was fresh and the pitch was baked in winter sunshine.

For once the average age of the 2s was within 10 years of the university side, due to the crop of talented young players we presently have.

The game started at a good pace, and our midfield and forwards put pressure on their back line, resulting in several opportunities, however none were converted, until Jamie Metcalf broke through the blue shirts and into the D to slot home a great goal to help us take a deserved 1 nil lead.

The first half ended with a lot of pressure and several more opportunities being saved by their keeper.

The half time brought a much needed regroup and a slight shuffle of the player back resulted in slight formation tweak to reclaim the midfield and push for the win.

The second half saw more breaks into their D and about 10 minutes into the half we gained a penalty corner. The team set up and a great stop for Ben, gave Jamie an opportunity that was blocked by the first runner, however Jamie picked up the rebound and smashed a low hard shot to claim his second and us a much needed cushion.

The game continued with a lot of the pressure coming from the home team , maybe some of us need a little more shooting practise before our next outing as we should have been 3 or 4 ahead by now, but their keeper continued his form from the first half and denied several good chances.

The away team started to act as typical students but their mouths were signing cheques their skill level and team play definitely couldn’t cash. 

The game ended 2-nil to the home team and means 3 more points, special mention to the young players who are really starting to form great bonds on the pitch and making selection harder and harder each week.

What’s great is the great team moral and banter that is in the 2s , and everyone comes off the pitch with a smile on their faces.

We now move on to next week with another tough away game at local rivals Stokesley.