Ladies 1s – postponed
Ladies 2s
It was an early start for the ladies 2s away against Boots 3s. The 9am push back didn’t seem to phase the team though as they settled into the game quickly. Newark dominated possession in the first 10 minutes with lovely play from Susan Tate and Amy Crouch in the middle linking to Mel Woods and Claire upfront.
Boots realised they needed to step up their game. They did just that which provided them with a handful of opportunities at goal. Unfortunately, this eventually paid off with them being awarded a short corner and slipping it past our defence just before half time.
Back out on the pitch for the second half, it took a while for Newark to get back into the swing of things. Boots took their chance and converted another goal. Now settled back in, great play on the wings from Rosie, Hattie, Zara and Alice rotating and with the support of Hannah and Lyndsey in defence. We had picked up our momentum again. An awesome passage of play down the left by Hattie then across to the right to Claire who found Mel in the D. Mel found herself one on one with the goalie and casually slipped it passed her. Sadly with only 2 minutes left of the game, we didn’t have time to pull back another goal.
Final score 2-1 to Boots.
Special thank you to Breagha Parr for stepping up and being in goal for us.
Player - Zoe White
Ladies 3s – postponed
Ladies 4s V North Notts Ladies 4s 3-0 WIN Goals from Beth Dickens, Hannah S & Martha Player of the Match: Martha A satisfying win for the ladies 4s against North Notts 4s on a windy morning. Hannah S and Beth Dickens scoring first followed by lovely goal from Martha on the post, great positioning. Lots of looking up, talking and support each other. All that training is paying off.
Men’s 1s v Belper
It was a fast-paced game where both teams matched each other in the first half. However, due to lack of fitness, a few mistakes, and some clinical finishing, Belper managed to get the upper hand in the 2nd half.
Newark did create chances but were unable to find the back of the net.
Another game we can learn a lot from, and we go again next week.
MOM – Joshua Kent Men’s 2s v Nottingham Players 2s
3-3
A much-changed Newark 2nds team met a young, quick and hungry Players team in horrendous torrential rainfall at Nottingham Hockey Centre. Hoping to build on a good run of form the team lost 2 players prior to push back due to Covid and 2 players to the 1sts.
From the off, the 3 third team players who were drafted in, gelled instantly. Whilst evenly matched in terms of possession the first half was tough with Newark conceding 3 goals. One to a break away and 2 to short corners. Matt Hammond replied for Newark as the rain continued to fall.
Newark were solid on the ball and creating chances, but the defence was being over-run.
At half time, and 3-1 down, rather than change things we decided to dig in, stick to the plan and test their defence at every opportunity. Kez made much of the running in midfield, intercepting and driving forward with the rest of the team pressurising when we could. Dave Beedham cleared athletically off the line and Robbie in goal came to the rescue on two occasions to keep the Players team out.
Tireless running from Whizz led to a well-deserved goal for Logan to set up a tense last 20 minutes. Steve Woolmer came up with the goods and a thumping goal and Newark came away with a pleasing draw snatched from the jaws of defeat.
MoM Robbie Robertshaw and Matt Hammond
Men’s 3s V Boots 5s
Newark 1 - Boots 3
Really good team performance and a full 70 minutes of effort from a 3s team with some new and old faces.
Horrid weather and a strong opposition could not dampen the Newark spirit. 2-1 down at half time and perhaps should have been 2-2 but for a goal line clearance.
Boots were strong in the 2nd half, but Newark defended resolutely and almost created some chances on the counter.
A couple of short corners at the end of the game including one at the final whistle could have padded the score line for Boots but they were beaten back by some stout defending and goalkeeping.
A great effort and performance, a sign of a return to winning ways soon for the 3s.
Goal - Charles
MOM - Jonah