Morpeth 1st XI v Durham University 4ths
Result: 1-0 win
Scorer: J. Ogden
M.O.M: J. Ogden
D.O.D: P. Danecki (honorary)
After a promising performance against the Durham University 3rd team the week before, and on unfamiliar terrain, the Morpeth side were looking to use the intelligence gained to try to get maximum points against another strong, young and fast Durham 4ths side.
The University travelled with a maximum number in their squad, as was expected, meaning that the Morpeth men would have to be at their wiliest and keep their concentration to a max in order to keep on top of their more than capable opponents.
The game started at the frenetic pace that was expected putting the defence to the test. Taking confidence from their great show last week the defence held strong and firm dealing with all surges well. It is testament to their hard work on and off the pitch that not only was a clean sheet kept, but not one of the numerous short corners that Durham had were too close for comfort.
Such is the standard of hockey in these games, that teams really have to get maximum return for the time spent in the opponent’s D. With only two shorts corners in the entire game Morpeth would have to be on top form. Midway through the first half the time had come to test the home side’s nerves. Morpeth had one practice run which resulted in a save being spilled high to restart the process. The second routine was identical, but each aspect was perfect. The injection, stop and resulting drag flick rippling the corner of the net. Arguably against the run of possession and territory, it was 1-0 to Morpeth…but then making the most of your time in the D is what it’s all about.
There were a couple more opportunities in the first half for both sides to score, but again Morpeth’s newly shaped midfield did well to thwart to surges and the defence were impeccable. There could well have been more goals to add to Morpeth’s tally before the break.
Half time allowed Morpeth to realise that Durham would come at them hard, and it was important not to get frustrated if the green and gold only saw minimal possession. Making rash decisions and tackles would only be detrimental to Morpeth’s hopes, so discipline was key.
Numbers were depleted with an injury early on in the second half so the rotations in fresh legs became ever more critical. As Durham pressed higher and higher searching for the equaliser Morpeth kept firm and were superbly well organised at the back. There were the inevitable scares but the relief was enormous when the final whistle was blown giving the 3 points to the new look Morpeth side.
In reflection it was a fantastic performance in all areas of the pitch whether defending or attacking. The work put in for forward movement and ball retention is paying off and passing was remarkably better from everyone. So confidence is great in the camp for what will prove to be a really testing game next week at the revitalised Richmond.
Further testament to the brilliance of each and every one of the Peth players was shown in the unanimous decision that the D.O.D couldn’t be given to any one whose efforts were phenomenal on the day. So in the spirit of the great camradery in the camp, the honours were given to the team’s most absent house husband of the season, Paul Danecki.
