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Photos: Jack Western
Two weeks on from their emphatic 12-0 crushing of Teesside 2nds, the University of York men’s 3rds hockey team came crashing back to earth as they suffered a 4-0 reverse at the hands of a strong Huddersfield 1sts side.
York struggled to cope with the high press employed by Huddersfield throughout the game, and being a 1st team the visitors possessed some talented individuals who helped their side to attain a comfortable victory.
York spent the majority of the game on the back foot, as Huddersfield piled on the pressure throughout the contest, despite York showing glimpses in the early stages. As the visitors found their way into the game, they prevented York from establishing a foothold in the game and dominated the territorial battle.
The pressure told, and two first half goals from Huddersfield, one after ‘keeper James Robinson was skilfully rounded, and the second after York failed to clear the ball, put the visitors firmly in the ascendancy. York had their moments, winning three first half short corners, but rarely managed to trouble the opposition ‘keeper, a powerful Rob Smith shot forcing the only meaningful save.
Huddersfield’s physical tactics seemed to unnerve York, as the visitors threw themselves into tackles on numerous occasions. It was not all downbeat for York however, as both Andrew Lister and Robin Willows displayed some excellent anticipation to divert dangerous situations.
Being only 2-0 down at half-time, York were still in the contest, but a well worked third goal less than a minute into the second half, all but ended York’s challenge. Frustration started to engulf York’s players, as they failed to move the ball out of defence effectively, although Tom Merriman and Ollie McGaw did provide outlets with their surges down the flanks.
In goal, Robinson was in fine form, making a couple of excellent saves to deny Huddersfield from extending their lead, but he was beaten for a fourth time as Huddersfield rounded off a convincing win. It was not York’s best performance of the season, but with two BUCS games left they still have the opportunity to cement a comfortable mid-table league finish.
Vision MOTM: Robin Willows