Folkestone Mixed 1 vs U21

Cliftonville HC v Folkestone Ops U21

What is possibly our last match of the summer season was again, a hot one. With some “Classic Mees” opening words (which I’m not entirely sure I can print), the match started with some sprightly Folkestone hockey – straight into our D. The first short 1 min in, defended well – a sign of things to come? Very aware we were up against Folkestone’s Under 21s; we decided to try playing our game after that wobbly start. Strong attacking moves by the Ville, working the ball up the pitch. Not to be outdone, Folkestone countered with some nifty passing and a shot into the side of the goal. We were pinned by some Folkestone pressure with a couple of shorts – both well defended by Ville. With another attacking run up the right, the ball was crossed in but Ville were unable to put it away. 0-0 at the end of the first quarter.

The second quarter started after some inspirational words from the Captain. Again, can’t really repeat them. We took to the pitch and delivered some great hockey – Charlie, AJ, Dan, Bella, & Kerry connecting well to keep our 23 clear of the ball. End to end hockey! From free-flowing hockey to solid defence. We kept out two short corners, two open play shots, and a third short! First half done. 0-0.

With half time done, and more unrepeatable advice, we took it to Folkestone. Three attacking shorts straight out of the gate. Demi gave it her best, but to no avail. Folkestone broke and sent the ball through the half empty midfield. Solid defending kept the ball out of the goal. Two defending shorts followed. The second broke the deadlock. Back to some free-flowing hockey, and some great Ville teamwork. 10 minutes in to the third quarter, another short was awarded against us, but superbly defended. Tiredness started to kick in, but we pushed hard to keep the play in the midfield, always looking for that long ball that would break Folkestone’s defence. End of the third quarter, 1-0 to Folkestone U21s.

The team talk was breathy and unrepeatable. The gist being that we’ve got fifteen minutes left, let’s put it all on the pitch. Those words seemed to go in, and we started the fourth quarter in a manner worthy of a goal. We were awarded a short for our work, but sadly it got stolen, and Folkestone worked their way up the pitch and won a short of their own. Emmelia made a great save, but it also deflected off a defender’s foot in front of goal. Penalty stroke! The teams broke away to their huddles. Ville standing to one side, and Folkestone right in the middle of the park. The U21 stepped up and sent the ball towards the goal. SAVED! Emmelia pushed it wide and Ville were energised. We pressed solid for the last seven minutes, winning another short, then pinging one off the crossbar in the final minute. The score remained 0-1 at the final whistle.

Proud of our summer league performance, but that’s all for this year, Thanks to all the players, umpires, to Folkestone for organising it all, and special mentions to Dan and Kat for putting us all together.