The Hockey Horror Picture Show for North Devon firsts
Great win for North Devon Hockey Club against high-flying Plymouth
On Halloween, North Devon M1 produced a superb performance to secure a memorable 3-2 victory over Plymouth Lions 2s, overcoming a strong challenge from the league’s joint second-placed side.
Following two recent defeats, North were determined to get back to winning ways, although they faced a formidable test against a talented Plymothian outfit. The visitors started strongly, dominating the opening 15 minutes, but North’s determined defending and excellent organisation ensured the score remained level.
Having weathered the early pressure, North began to find their rhythm and made the breakthrough with a beautifully constructed goal. Ben Cox drove forward down the right before delivering a superb pass to the back post, where Pete Smale timed his run perfectly to flick the ball over the advancing goalkeeper.
The game became increasingly feisty, with five cards shown to Plymouth before the break, as North continued to frustrate their opponents.
The Lions equalised shortly after half-time following a spell of attacking pressure, but North responded brilliantly. With Ash Thorne bringing composure and control to midfield, the home side began to dictate the tempo.
Mike Cuthbertson created space on the left before Matt Upward burst forward to support Smale. A clever pass back across the play allowed Upward to finish superbly. 2-1.
Just five minutes later, Smale struck again with a fine finish following excellent attacking work from Josh Thorne and Joe Taylor-Richards.
Plymouth continued to battle, but North’s defence stood firm. Sam Wormington produced an important save, while Oscar Spear made a superb intervention to deny another dangerous attack. A converted penalty flick set up a tense final five minutes, but North showed great maturity, keeping possession and managing the game with aplomb.
A thoroughly deserved victory, full of determination, quality and team spirit.
Elsewhere, the Ladies’ 1s drew 2-2 away against Bridgwater 1s, the Men’s 2s bagged a narrow 2-3 win against Plymouth Lions 4s in Plymouth, the Ladies’ 2s won comfortably 0-3 away against Tiverton White Eagles 2s, and the Ladies’ 3s lost 2-3 at home to Sidmouth and Ottery 4s.