BUCS men’s hockey: York 3rds 1-0 Northumbria 3rds

York Men’s 3rd XI recorded their first victory of the BUCS season yesterday afternoon on the JLD, as they produced their best display of the season to grind out a deserved 1-0 win against Northumbria 3rds. After a challenging start to the season, the side are starting to form a more coherent unit, and against Northumbria a second half strike from Tom Merriman, coupled with a determined defensive display was enough to seal the three points.

Often this season York have started matches slowly and conceded early goals, but against Northumbria the side appeared switched on from the first whistle, with Robin Willows impressing during the early stages. Chances though were few and far between for York, as they struggled to carve out clear opportunities despite the dangerous running of Merriman and Rob Smith.

Indeed for a fifteen minute period in the first half York were put under some serious pressure by Northumbria, who enjoyed a sustained stint of possession. However marshalled by the experienced Chris Baldrey, York’s backline stood firm and ‘keeper Simon Varley was rarely tested.

York finished the first half the better side, as they began to carve out some opportunities, particularly down the right flank and through the dribbling skills of captain Declan Hall. Two York short corners came to nothing, before the home side almost opened the scoring from a third just before half time. A left slip to holding midfielder Dave Washington opened up the Northumbria defence, but his first shot was blocked on the line, before his follow up was saved by the ‘keeper, leading to a scramble on the goalline, from which York somehow failed to open the scoring.

A pleasing first half display though saw York on level terms, and with plenty of reason to be optimistic. They didn’t have to wait long in the second half to get the reward for their efforts. A stunning pass from birthday boy Aidan Pilgrim picked out Merriman, who beat his marker with his first touch, before poking the ball through the ‘keeper’s legs and into the goal, much to the delight of York’s players and supporters.

There was still a lot of work to do though for the White Rose, and for a side who has endured problems with leaking goals, holding out for the remainder of the game was a daunting task. Yet York defended admirably throughout, Pilgrim and Andrew Lister particularly excelling, whilst Washington, Smith and Willows offered regular cover and support in midfield.

Indeed York still looked to push for a second goal which would secure the victory, but Northumbria were starting to dominate possession as York began to sit back and fatigue kicked in. One shot flashed across the goal, whilst crucial tackles were required to resist the oncoming danger.

However on the counter York looked dangerous, and Hall should have wrapped up the points when set free by Merriman. With only the keeper to beat, the striker who had bagged a hattrick earlier in the season, instead opted to pass left to Max Fox but failed to find his target, and the opportunity was squandered.

Minutes later York were almost punished, as with time ticking away Northumbria were awarded their first and only short corner of the game. The shot was powered towards target from the top of the D, but thankfully flew wide of the post. The closing stages were tense, but York held their nerve and repelled any Northumbria attacks, whilst playing some pleasant passing hockey themselves, to secure a 1-0 victory and three valuable points.

Vision MOTM: Aidan Pilgrim