M1 vs Belper 1

After their first win of season 22-23, Cambridge City men’s firsts were looking to make it two on the bounce against newly promoted Belper.  The day started, as is now tradition at Kettering Services where Panini’s and coffee were consumed, proven fuel on an away trip.  A notable absentee from the convoy of hatchbacks was Redvers, who had opted to spend his Saturday walking in the nearby Peak District.   

Upon arriving at Belper hockey club the City men’s firsts were warmly welcomed by their hosts.  The ground, with its backdrop of the rolling English countryside was overlooked by the 1912, red brick, ‘Strutts’ East Mill’, and its handsome clock tower.  The club was interestingly part of a much larger sporting complex that included cricket, tennis and lawn bowls and was probably set up by the owners of the Mill for their workers, much like at Bournville.  (The author recognises that most people would question the use of the term ‘interestingly’ here).  

Belper, were largely unknown to Cambridge City, however their mixed results in the opening rounds of the season meant coach Grant, fresh from delivering his second child, (correction, Grant did nothing, he just made sure he did not get in the way or faint), and Captain Nat were clear in their messaging with this being a game City had to win.  

The game began at a frenetic pace with Cambridge transitioning the ball swiftly down the right scoring a goal with a back post tap in.  From the restart, Belper, with their first string of possessions for the match scored virtually the same goal with a right-side overload culminating with a second back post finish.  Despite the disappointment of conceding, Cambridge regrouped and began to take control of the first period.  Cambridge continually won one on one contests which resulted in terrific transition play that would create a number of excellent scoring chances.  Cambridge would take a 2-1 lead following an excellent penalty corner injection from Adam Price, which was deflected nicely into the upper netting.  

The second period was similar to the first with Cambridge controlling much of the possession.  Belper’s main means of attack was via quick end to end play which was generally negotiated calmly by Cambridge’s defence.  Weight of possession would take a toll on the hosts with Cambridge capitalising on a sharp penalty corner rebound to take a 3-1 lead into half time.  The forward line led by Captain Nat were particularly effective one on one with the slow Belper defence.

Cambridge began the second half as they started the match, scoring quickly to open a 4-1 lead. At this point, Cambridge should have put the foot to the throat and finished off their hosts. Cambridge however relented, allowing Belper into the match. Turnovers, and loose marking were a feature of the quarter with Cambridge unable to maintain possession. Goalkeeper Knighty held up well making a number of saves, however pressure told, and Cambridge conceded a neat penalty corner variation with Belper now making all the running. 

Cambridge would continue to lump pressure on themselves through careless errors that lead to a number further chances. Belper would score again in the final period to take the game to 4-3. The final ten minutes from Cambridge were as scientific as Pricey’s views on theoretical cosmology with the defence hanging on bravely to withstand constant Belper attacks to see the side victorious 4-3.