Men's 1s draw, despite dominance

WBTHC Men’s 1s hosted Brooklands Men’s 2s on Saturday looking to get back to winning ways after a heart breaking last second defeat in their previous game.

The home team opened the 1st half with intent and purpose, pressurising the Brooklands young back line to win the ball in several dangerous areas, but were unable to create any clear cut chances to turn their possession into an opening goal. The first half continued much the same with plenty of ball for the home team but no goals as Brooklands young defence held firm when it mattered. Any Brooklands attacks were quickly snubbed out by Hayes and Heppell in the centre of the home defence and Fotheringham returning in goal, never looked troubled throughout.

Brooklands came out much brighter in the second half and for the first 10 minutes started to look dangerous with the home team losing their men when Brooklands committed bodies forward from midfield. This problem was quickly identified and resolved and WBTHC took control of the game, sending waves of attacks into the Brooklands penalty area, but the defence again held firm. Brooklands were clinging on, despite the home team twice going down to 10 men with yellow cards for Stoddart and Redpath. The most noticeable moment of the game came with 10 minutes remaining. A quick break down the left hand side resulted in Andrew Titmus having space in the area, he rounded the keeper but was fouled as he was about to fire a shot towards the gaping Brooklands net. Surely a penalty stroke would be awarded? No, It wasn’t to be, a penalty corner was given to the dismay of all the WBTHC team and bench.

The game finished in a rare goalless draw, but WBTHC will be happy with their performance in a game they deserved to win.