Men's 1s denied by late penalty

WBTHC travelled to Durham University to re start their season after the xmas break. The students started brightly and had most of the possession in the opening period of play as WBTHC struggled with the accuracy of their passing and found it difficult to get the ball out of defence. The pressure soon told and Durham took the lead with a neat deflected finish from the penalty spot. Soon the students were 2 ahead and deservedly so after poor marking in the WBTHC penalty area. Certainty a half to forget for the away side.

After a stern half time team talk WBTHC looked to improve their rusty first half performance and started the second half with much more intent. They pressed higher up the pitch and passes started to find their mark. After a good move down the right the away team won a penalty corner, which was expertly dispatched by Baeder low into the bottom corner to give WBTHC an early goal back. This seemed to give the away side plenty of confidence, which was lacking in the first half and soon the scores were level, when Traynor was allowed to swivel in the area and lift the ball over a stranded Durham goalkeeper. The away pressure continued and a penalty flick was awarded after a Durham foot in front of goal. Traynor stepped up, but was denied the lead by the post, keeping the scores level at 2.2. Both teams were now looking to push forward and grab the winner and WBTHC scored their 3rd goal of the half to take the lead with a deflected finish at the back post from Simon Miles. With 4 minutes remaining on the clock WBTHC thought they had fought back for a great win, but a lack of concentration in this final few minutes allowed Durham space on the right, which resulted in a goal mouth scramble and a penalty flick. Fotheringham in goal managed to get a hand to the ball but could not prevent the equaliser.

A terrible result and first half performance for WBTHC who are looking to put the pressure on at the top of the league. They can take small positives from the spirit showed in the 2nd half but need to improve next week to get a vital win at home Vs Bowen 2s.