Men’s 1s v West Bridgford 4s
Lost 5-0
Missing players due to COVID restrictions and only having a bare 11, we knew it was going to be a difficult task against an experienced and well drilled team.
Newark started slow, and found themselves defending against constant attacks and not being able to keep possession, leading to an early goal for West Bridgford.
Newark improved as the first half went on and the majority of play was in the central part of the pitch with neither team creating any clear cut chances.
Newark started the second half stronger but found themselves 2-0 down against the run of play. Newark persevered and threatened the WB defence on a number of occasions but good defending, slow decision making and poor umpiring frustrated the side.
Ben Bradley (GK) saved a penalty flick but could do nothing to stop 3 more deflected goals.
Newark kept going and showed great fitness to keep attacking the WB defensive quarter and finally got a penalty corner awarded with only minutes to go. A well worked routine saw a slip to the right create a great goal scoring opportunity which ended in a swing and a miss to sum up the day.
Men's 2s vs West Bridgford 6
Won 3-1
An even game where Newark watched Bridgford play hockey in the first half, allowing them to create the majority of the chances. Luckily conceded none.
Newark turned the pressure on in the second half and earned 2 goals from winning the ball high.
West Bridgford pulled a goal back shortly after, but a converted penalty flick saw Newark come away with the victory.
Goal scorers - Matt Hammond, Paul Halfpenny x 2
MoM Matt Hammond
Men’s 3s v Beeston 8s
Lost 3-0
Another resilient display against a strong Beeston team. 2-0 down at half time was probably a bit flattering to Newark who had spent most of the half defending. A better 2nd half display was nearly rewarded by a goal after an excellent goal line stop by a defender and 2 short corners which were well defended.
Onwards and upwards and I'm sure these strong performance will translate into points sooner or later.
MOTM: Tim Gosling
Daisy: Harvey (for turning up in white kit!)