Score

7:0

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Report

Wellingborough Men’s, proudly sponsored by Prop-search, got off to a great start with a thumping 7-0 victory over Wisbeach Town 2. Was it playing at home with full squad, the sheer quality of the side, the thorough training, or the fact that we actually looked like a proper team with new club shirts? (More thanks to Prop-search)

Borough were always on top and outplayed the opposition in all departments showing glimpses of the sort of hockey that bodes well for a successful season. The only opposition response was to launch a barrage of 1sthalf aerials with the Borough defence blinded by a low and bright sun. The glare made it difficult for the keeper, and writer of this report, to see anything in the opposition’s half and so the goal scorers are invited talk us through their goals and add it to the report.

Most pleasingly, this was a team performance with only minor occurrences of PDS (prima donna syndrome) and every team member played their part so all deserve a mention.

John Bishop – did what little he had to do with pleasing solidity. No doubt there will be stiffer challenges as the season progresses.

Paul Skipper Smith- revelled in his new role at the centre of defence. Solid, safe, but must make an effort to win more tosses.

Simon Morrisey – showed he can play anywhere on the pitch. Strong in defence dangerous when attacking.

Cameron James – great to have him back in the team with a new found maturity and serenity  compared to some of his more colourful (red, green and yellow) performances in seasons gone by. A rock in defence and used the ball wisely moving up the pitch. Deserved MoM.

Joe Roberts-Nuttall– A great new asset with tireless if battle scarred legs. Must remember to complement his skill and enthusiasm with the ability to remain on his feet. Also, one or two frightening clearance.

Dave Langley – a commanding performance showing surprising levels of fitness so early in the season needing only a few second off the pitch every now and then. Sadly, it was not during one of these breaks that Wisbeach conceded a penalty flick with the keeper pulling off a decent save.

Jose Dos Santos – put in a hardworking shift. Lots of skills and enough sensible passes to give plenty to look forward to for the rest of the season. Terrier like tackling back was also great to see.

George Houghton – Tall and imposing, sprayed passes around with aplomb always looking to receive the ball and quickly release to put maximum pressure on the opposition. A benchmark for the whole team if we are to have a really successful season.

Jamie Sandford – provided a valuable input of antipodean (South World) strength, skill and creativity. Added a great new dimension to the team.

George Norris – showed a maturity which his team mates could learn a lot from – great first touches combined with sensible passing. Looked dangerous in attack and a great prospect for the future.

Colin Smith – continues to come on in leaps and bounds. Protected the ball excellently when waiting for support to arrive and capable of confusing the opposition with some unorthodox skills.

Andrew Wade – Relished his role in attack and came up with a particularly fine example of the topped shot which is so loathed by all keepers.

Steven Keal-Frayne; lively in attack taking up some great near post position and also making some great runs into the D.

Matt Bicknell – Full of running and the sort of mobility in attack that is disliked so much by defenders and keepers. Will score a lot of goals this season.

Martin Hill – always growing in confidence and touch. Will undoubtedly develop the finesse that will lead to a bag full of goals.

Great discipline shown by the whole team despite the odd creative umpiring decision.

Fantastic performance. Bring on Louth!

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Scorers

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