U12 boys CoPHC v Petersfield HC

City travelled to Petersfield with 11 players many new to 11 aside, one making his hockey debut. But experience and enthusiasm prevailed and City got off to a strong start. Our new players were not daunted by the bigger pitch, but worked hard up and down the pitch, engaging the Petersfield team who were moving the ball well. City kept a good shape and Petersfield couldn’t penetrate our defence. After a mazy run from inside the City half Sam H opened the scoring with a shot in the bottom corner. City continued to apply pressure and were rewarded with a short corner. A good strike from Matty was saved by the keeper, but Sam H’s follow up shot found the back of the net. Josh’s hard work on the left wing led to City’s 3rd goal in 20 minutes, after winning the ball in the Petersfield 25 Josh found Sam H with a perfectly weighted pass, a quick one two with Sam P and Sam H found the net again through the keepers legs. Petersfield started the 2nd third strongly, moving the ball quickly, and forcing City to defend in the D. Continued pressure from Petersfield saw City concede a short corner, a quick shot from the top of the D, required an impressive stop from Matty on the post. Petersfield followed up the rebound, but Matty was again ready with his stick on the line to deny Petersfield . City were then caught napping and with players out of position Petersfield broke through with numbers and scored. As we entered the last third City were feeling the lack of substitutes, but we stayed disciplined, kept our shape and defended behind the ball. City won their second short of the match and varied their routine, a quick injection, a slip back to the injector, and a pass back to the p spot, gave Matty the space for a low shot past the keeper.
Final score City 4 Petersfield 1.

Great team effort today, well done everyone.
Thanks to Chesh for umpiring.