Men's 4s vs Tamworth 2

Telford 4s welcomed Tamworth 2s to St. Georges hoping to avenge a 3-1 defeat earlier in the season. Another difficult match for the 4s end of season run with 3rd placed Tamworth still in with a chance of promotion. Telford were a little depleted with only 2 subs and only 1 player who had filled the wide roles this season. Sukhtaj filled the left-wing position.

Scotty stressed the need to get stuck in from the start and ensure the passing was of the highest level.

Unfortunately, Telford’s passing gave the ball away too easily allowing Tamworth to set up attacks. Telford conceded a short after 18 minutes, which Tamworth converted.

6 minutes later some overly aggressive defending led to another short being conceded and Paul receiving a green card for pushing an opponent to the ground. Tamworth converted the short to go 2-0 up.

Telford eventually started to find some form and pulled a goal back 2 minutes later. In a goalmouth scramble John, or possibly Conor, both were involved, managed to get the ball to Sukhtaj to the left of the goal. Sukhtaj’s first shot was saved by the keeper, but he lifted the rebound over the keeper and John guarded the ball over the line to ensure Sukhtaj got the 1st goal of his career.

At half-time Chris urged that the passing needed to be stronger and more accurate. Also, the team needed to block the middle of the pitch to stop Tamworth driving long hard hits out of defence, which they were doing regularly to relieve Telford’s pressure.

Telford started the 2nd half well. With a short corner routine Conor passed across to Scotty, who drove the ball home off a defender’s foot for his 3rd goal of the season, making the score 2-2.

Telford pressed for another goal, playing some good hockey and using their pace up front to create chances. After 55 minutes Telford got their reward when a shot from Tom rebounded off the keeper and Scotty struck it firmly against the back board for his 4th goal of the season.

Telford’s aggressive defending led to Matt getting Telford’s second green card, but Telford were playing well and holding onto their lead. With time running out Telford repelled an attack on their right, clearing the ball into the opposition half. Unfortunately, the ball was driven back hard into the left of the Telford D where one of two unmarked Tamworth players deflected the ball into the net with the last touch of the match. No time for a restart and the match finished 3-3.

Great shame the victory was snatched from Telford at the death. Maybe the defence relaxed a little after clearing the ball, but they weren’t given any time to reset and defend the ball struck at pace into the D.

A much improved performance by Telford in the 2nd half. Chris wants the team to perform at that level from the start.

Sukhtaj was MOTM. 

The draw means Tamworth aren’t promoted.