Match Reports
Saturday 21stJanuary 2012
Aston Uni 1- 8 Worksop 1stXI
Having trounced their opponents ten nil last time out Worksop could be forgiven for expecting an easy game inBirminghamagainst a pluckyAstonUniversityside. However they arrived to find their opponents had strengthened their ranks since the sides last met at the Valley.
Aston started the game brightly and looked a shadow of the side that had lost all of their league games to date, however Worksop were solid at the rear, young Luke Burns growing in stature each week, impressing at left back.
As the half developed Worksop began to grind out some chances and despite their frustration it was the other full back, Mr Reliable himself, Dan Walker who smashed home to finally break the deadlock. One soon became two as right winger Mackenzie Glasby capped off a strong half by scrambling home at the back post to double the advantage.
With the half ending Worksop still knew they had a game on their hands and the third goal would be crucial and so it proved to be when marksman Graeme Robinson fired home a neat finish after a great ball from Geoff Walker. Three soon became six, Robinson adding to his tally with two further strikes to complete a straight hat rick and Sam Gawthorpe deflecting home a great ball from Burns.
With the game nearing its end Worksop continued to press forward and produced a goal of high class, Arthur Nash fed Robinson with a great through ball who played a perfect drop pass, Gawthorpe benefited and finished with aplomb, 7 - 0. However, Worksop saved the best for last with captain marvel himself, Simon Cardwell, dispatching a perfect finish into the top corner for an eighth. Worksop’s defence and goalkeeper, Stephen Fletcher, despite a stirling effort were finally beaten late in the game as the home side clinched a consolation as a reward for their own endeavour.
Man of the Match: Graeme Robinson/Geoff Walker
Scorers: Walker D, Glasby, Robinson (3), Gawthorpe (2), Cardwell
Saturday 14thJanuary 2012
Worksop 1stXI 2-5 Ashby
Despite the fact that Christmas ended a few weeks ago, Worksop started the second half of their season in generous mood with gifts for all men. 4 small packages delightfully wrapped for league leaders Ashby, all within the first 10 minutes. With the game already gone and goal keeper Les Unwin berating those in front of him the home side decided they would turn up after all. As the Christmas break became a distant memory and with pride to play for Worksop began to exert some pressure of their own with a string of short corners. It was third time lucky as, Sam Gawthorpe, returning from injury, fired high into the net to put his side on the score board. Surprisingly the visitors seemed to be quite unsettled by this and despite their 3 goal lead became quite rattled. One soon became two as Graeme Robinson beat his man and fired home for 4 - 2. Worksop even started to defend with Geoff Walker and Mike Purnell scrambling the ball clear to maintain the arrears at the half time interval.
Ashby started the 2ndhalf in composed fashion, however, had Robinsons drive half way through the period not struck a post the game may have become quite interesting. Despite this pressure the visitors never really looked like surrendering their lead and in fact were able to add a fifth in the dying minutes to slightly inflate their tally.
Man of the Match: Les Unwin/Luke Burns
Scorers: Robinson, Gawthorpe
Worksop 1 - 0 DerbyAsterdale Worksop concluded part one of their season with a home encounter against the in-form Derby Asterdale. The visitors have enjoyed a recent good run of form which has seen them slowly climb the table, so Worksop were surprised to find themselves camped in the Asterdale half have during the early stages. With some stout defending from Mike Purnell and Geoff Walker, Goal keeper Les Unwin was forced into action only once in the entire game. With this solid foundation Worksop were able to attack at will and the visitors could be thankful to their goalkeeper as the score remained at 0-0 despite a host of chances in the first half. Worksop started the second half as they ended the first, driving forward at every opportunity. Full backs Dan Walker and Matt Munroe able to join the attack and support midfielders Renny Myles and Arthur Nash. With more chances coming and going it was important that Worksop remained composed and they did just that as Graeme Robinson fed Myles who spun and hammered a great shot past a stranded keeper for what turned out to be the only goal of the game. Try as they might Worksop couldn't add to their score, Robinson hit the post twice and young Dec Fuller also hit the pipework as the clock ticked down. The win finds Worksop 3rdin the league heading into the festive break ready to go again in January after a well earned rest. Man of the Match: Renny Myles Scorers: Myles Worksop 2ndXI 1-2 Worksop 3rdXI The young 3rdXI emerged victorious to take the title of club champions in this inter club grudge match played out on Saturday afternoon. The 2ndXI were obvious favourites before the game started but they clearly had their eyes on the festive spread awaiting them in the clubhouse afterwards as Jim Wakefield's underdogs stole the early advantage. Fittingly it was the club's youngest, and arguably most improved, player Liam Curley who got the goal as he turned towering centre back Stephen Fletcher before unleashing a thunderbolt shot into the far corner of the goal. The second half saw the lead doubled as this timeWakefieldwas on hand to sweep home after a Jed Pedley shot was initially saved. As the match was reaching a conclusion the 2ndXI did manage a consolation goal as top scorer, Sam Walter, found space to drill home past the stranded keeper. Well done to the young 3rdXI and they will certainly enjoy the bragging rights as the club goes into the Christmas break.
Saturday 3rdDecember 2011
Saturday 10thDecember 2011
Daventry 6 - 2 Worksop 1stXI
Worksop made a long road trip south to Daventry for their final away game before the Christmas Break. However any festive cheer would have to wait as they endured a vile torrent of abuse from their hosts from start to finish and left empty handed for the third league game this season.
With a short delay to allow the home umpire to arrive Worksop were slow to start and found themselves two nil down in a blink of an eye with keeper Les Unwin left stranded. Two soon became four as the young Worksop side could not contain some swift, decisive finishing from the home team. Worksop did manage a couple of chances of their own in the half, both efforts from Graeme Robinson, one flew over the bar the other brought a stunning save from the home keeper.
The half time whistle found the men from Notts down but not out and allowed captain Cardwell to pick his men up from the floor and remind them that their pride was still to play for. Worksop answered his call to arms and although the personal abuse from the home side didn't stop, their goals did and eventually the visitors scored through Dan Walker, scoring for the third successive week. Only moments later Robinson danced through the home defence and slammed the ball home from a tight angle and it was game on with the home sides advantage sliced in half.
Then came a pivotal moment, the Daventry keeper made a great save from Robinson and the hosts went on a breakaway and scored to finish the game. They then added a further strike to take their tally to a rather flattering six.
Worksop left disappointed although buoyed by the fact that they get a chance at revenge at the Valley next March in the return fixture and that youngsters Nash, Fuller and Burns gained some great experience in a testing and often nasty game.
Man of the Match: Dec Fuller
Scorers: Walker D, Robinson
Saturday 26thNovember 2011
Worksop 1stXI 2-1 Buxton
Worksop picked up from where they left off the previous week with a great win, albeit in very different circumstances at a windy valley on Saturday afternoon.
The visitors arrived with a large squad and determined to put up their usual fight with a never say die spirit in a contest that is always keenly fought between two evenly matched sides.
The early exchanges set the scene with both sides aiming to stamp their authority and it was probably the home side who would be more frustrated that things remained goalless. With Worksop looking more likely and the visiting goalkeeper called into action it was with some surprise that Worksop found themselves a goal down. To their credit Buxton stole the ball on the half way line and clinically moved up the pitch and scored with a cool finish.
Undeterred Worksop kept plucking away and finally scored a deserved equaliser from an unlikely source. Full back Matt Monroe ghosting into the D and finishing well with a firm drive. With Buxton still reeling Worksop took full advantage and finally converted a short corner with Dan Walker eventually scrambling the ball into the net with his second strike in 2 weeks.
Half time followed instantly allowing Worksop to consolidate and line up their players to defend their slim advantage. As the second half grew Buxton pushed Worksop back further into their own half. The home side now attacking solely on the breakaway found themselves fighting to maintain their slender advantage late on. Finally the final whistle blew and Worksop were able to celebrate a solid performance yielding a further three points and maintaining third spot in the league.
Man of the Match: Les Unwin
Scorers: Monroe, Walker D.
Saturday 19thNovember 2011
Atherstone Adders 0 - 6 Worksop 1stXI
Worksop travelled to Warwickshire in determined mood following a couple of lean weeks, the side had failed to win either of their last 2 league games.
A resurgent Atherstone Adders lay in wait, having picked up some points of their own in their last few outings and they would have been boosted when the visitors arrived minus 3 key members of their first Xl.
Worksop needn't have worried, their deputies stepped up and filled in admirably and in fact it was the visitors who started strongly and should have scored in the first minute. Renny Myles fed Graeme Robinson who had his shot saved well. The start of a frustrating afternoon and a sign of things to come for the Worksop striker.
However Worksop continued to pile forward, ably assisted by the Adders midfield general, determined to undermine the efforts of his colleagues with constant criticism of his own men.
Only moments later, the excellent Dan Walker strode forward into the opposing D, collected a Cardwell centre and then fed Sam Walter who lashed home from close range. With stout defending by the experienced pair, Mike Purnell and Geoff Walker and the youthful Luke Burns, Worksop knew they could attack with confidence and that helped Simon Cardwell arrow a classy finish into the bottom corner. More chances came and went, particularly from Robinson, who was continuously denied by some excellent goal keeping as the home stopper proved to be their star man by half time.
Worksop started the second half in a lethargic fashion and gave the home side a glimour of hope, with Goalkeeper Les Unwin holding firm until skipper Cardwell's slide rule pass sent Robinson in on goal with only the keeper to beat. This time he made no mistake, finally finding his shooting boots, to fire through the legs of the advancing keeper. Robinson then completed a straight hat rick with 2 further goals following great work by the excellent Arthur Nash from Midfield. With the home side broken and further criticism from within their own ranks, Dan Walker robbed the Adders full back and rounded off a great performance by smashing home a bullet shot to add a fair reflection to a one sided encounter.
Man of the Match: Geoff Walker
Scorers: Robinson (3), Cardwell, D Walker, Walter
Worksop 1stXI 2 - 3 Market Harborough
Another sunny autumn Saturday saw a tight battle with the league leaders in town aiming to consolidate their place at the top of the pile. Used to more salubrious surroundings the visitors, travelling with a squad of 15 were prepared to do battle against a Worksop side keen to challenge for honours themselves.
The game started at a terrific pace with neither side able to take the initiative, although short corners were traded and half chances came and went things were pretty even. However, the visitors did manage to take the lead half way through the first half with a neat move of their own. The celebrations didn't last long though and the home side managed to convert a short corner, midfielder Alistair Skinner eventually scrambling the ball home for a deserved equaliser. Again chances came and went until the game turned in an instance. Worksop managed to commit suicide as tempers flared, Goalkeeper Ryan Haydon was sent for an early shower after an altercation with the opposing centre forward who himself received a yellow card for his own provocative actions. Defender Les Unwin stood up to the plate and donned the goalkeeper kit in Haydon's absence and again proved what a versatile player he is between the pipes.
Skipper Cardwell set about rallying his 10 men, knowing a tough challenge had become almost impossible with a second half mountain to climb. Things got worse for Worksop when midfielder Renny Myles was sin-binned for a miss timed tackle and they found themselves with only 9 players for the 3rdleague game this season.
With a backs to the wall rearguard in action the last thing Worksop needed was a contentious goal against them, but that's exactly what happened as the visitors scored a goal to again take the lead as Worksop were not able to defend a ball rifled into the D at head height. More resolute defending continued until hearts and hope were finally killed off with a 3rdgoal which proved to be the winner.
Worksop, however kept plugging away and managed to secure a deserved consolation goal, through Graeme Robinson, and spurred on by the home crowd found the league leaders defending for all their worth against 10 man Worksop with their never say die attitude.
Next Week Worksop hope to return to winning ways with a banana skin encounter at Atherstone Adders.
Man of the Match: Les Unwin
Scorers: Skinner, Robinson
Worksop 3rdXI 0-2 Berkswell
The young 3rdXI were up against it from the start in this encounter as some awful organisation meant they played the game with just 10 men. It would have been 9 men if veteran Gary Bell hadn't come out of retirement to swell the ranks and so in truth the young side never stood a chance against a travelling squad of 14 players. Despite the adversity the young lads acquitted themselves well and took the game to their visitors with Marsh Glasby, in particular, a threat throughout the game. The extra men counted though and eventually they bundled home two goals to win the match. A real disappointment for the club who would have undoubtedly seen off a poor Berkswell with a full side out.
Kettering 0 - 0 Worksop
An injured and depleted Worksop made the long road trip south into the lions den for their annual match against perennial mid table battlers Kettering. Worksop have never had it easy at this ground and could be forgiven for thinking it was their own groundhog day as a tight, fractious battle, with a few yellow cards thrown in for good measure, ensued.
The home side started brightly and would have secured a first half lead if it were not for Man of the Match Ryan Haydon who made 2 great saves for the men from Notts. Worksop managed a paltry single shot on goal in the first period, Arthur Nash striking over the bar after great work from Dan Walker and Sam Gawthorpe working well, in tandem, down the right.
It was all hands on deck shortly into the second half. Worksop were down to 9 men in the blink of an eye. Les Unwin and keeper Haydon both sent off after a disagreement with the match officials. The five minute sin bin saw veteran Mike Purnell stand tall between the pipes with the home side denied their inevitable goal, with centre forward Graeme Robinson helping the back line as a makeshift sweeper . Miraculously it was the visitors who grew in strength and once they were restored to 11 men were disappointed not to win the game from the string of chances which fell their way in the last 15 minutes.
However as the final whistle blew and on reflection neither side could argue they had done enough to win the game and must do it all again at the Valley in February.
Man of the Match: Ryan Haydon
Saturday 22ndOctober 2011
Worksop 1stXI 2-1 Rolls Royce
It was all smiles in the autumn sunshine at the valley for a Worksop side keen to continue some good form against a strong Rolls Royce team hoping to snatch a result against the men from Notts.
Worksop were able to field their full side and their strength showed as it was they who pushed forward looking for an early strike. The midfield, marshalled by the experienced Alistair Skinner and the youthful Arthur Nash forced Royce's back. Worksop could consider themselves unlucky not to convert one of their early chances.
Half time arrived with a stalemate and both goals in-tact, thanks largely to stubborn defending around the visiting goal. Worksop knew the first goal was going to be crucial in this tight affair and the half time message was more of the same please.
The second half started as the first had ended, both sides asking questions of the opposing defence. However it was the home side, much to the delight of their support, who eventually broke the deadlock. Man of the match Arthur Nash ghosting into the D, and coolly finding Graeme Robinson who managed to fire home from a tight angle.
Worksop would be mistaken if they thought it was game over and in typical fashion were able to oblige the visitors their equaliser almost immediately.
Undeterred Worksop, determined to grab the win their endeavour deserved, forced more chances until finally the unselfish Sam Gawthorpe teed up Robinson to tap home for his second and 3 points shortly before the end of a tight affair contested by 2 evenly matched sides. Next week Worksop make the long trip south to faceKettering.
Man of the Match: Arthur Nash
Scorers: Robinson (2)
Derwent 3-2 Worksop 3rdXI
Despite goals from young Worksop boys Jedley Pedley and Liam Curley giving the side a 2-1 lead, the fledgling 3rdXI had to surrender their unbeaten start to the season as 2 woefull decisions gifted Derwent an undeserved victory.
Worksop 1stXI 10 - 0 Aston Uni
Worksop bounced back in style after an opening league defeat the previous week at Ashby. League new comers Aston Uni endured a torrid afternoon in the rain at the Valley after a rousing pre-match team talk by Captain Simon Cardwell.
There was to be no repeat of the ill discipline that cost the men from Notts dear only a week ago as they started the game camped in their visitors half. The early pressure eventually paid dividends, Graeme Robinson picking up from last week as he slotted home the first goal to break the deadlock. This was quickly followed by a second and third scored well by Arthur Nash and then by Cardwell, after great work by winger Mackenzie Glasby. In between these strikes and half time Aston Uni managed some pressure of their own, eventually forcing a penalty flick. However keeper Ryan Haydon stood up well and shut out the men fromBirmingham.
Worksop came out firing after the break and soon finished off their opponents, goals from Robinson (3), Cardwell adding to his early strike, Dan Walker and a neat brace from Sam Gawthorpe making it a magical 10. Despite the score line just as pleasing was a clean sheet with stella performances from Mike Purnell and the rock steady Geoff Walker at the back.
Man of the Match: Mackenzie Glasby
Scorers: Robinson (4), Cardwell (2) Gawthorpe (2), Nash & D Walker
Leicester Westleigh 1-1 Worksop 3rdXI
Return of the JEDi
After their heroics of the previous weekend the 3rd XI maintained both their unbeaten run and their position at the top of the table with a hard fought away draw against Leicester Westleigh. Despite missing a couple of key players, the young Worksop team had the better of the chances in the game yet failed to capitalise on their early possession. The home side managed to sneak a half-time lead through a short corner.
To their credit, Worksop remained composed and kept pushing for an equaliser, the two holding midfielders each making surging forays forward and constantly linking up with the attackers. The breakthrough came when youngster Jed Pedley latched on to a scything cross and sent it screaming into the bottom corner with a stunning one-touch finish. Careful to consolidate a useful point, the away side were wary, yet still had opportunities to win the game.
Keeper James Challender made a number of important saves to keep the balance of the match and in the end the result stayed at 1-1. The point was enough to keep Worksop at the top of the table and the hope is that this run of early form continues for some time.
Saturday 1st October 2011
Worksop 3rdXI 10-0 Newark
Saturday 1st October 2011 will go down in Worksop Hockey Club's history books as the day the club's 3rdXI recorded their greatest ever victory with a crushing 10-0 (yes that's TEN!) victory over local rivals Newark.
Not since the days of Phileas Gawthorpius back in the 1930s has the clubs young production line seen such a margin of victory.
With hatricks a piece for Marsh Glasby & Josh Burns and braces for Jedley Pedley & young Liam Curley (his first goals for the club) the 3rdXI now sit proudly aloft the EnerG East Midlands 2 Division...
Well done boys from all at the club!!!!
Ashby 4 - 3 Worksop 1stXI
In barmy hot summer conditions, Worksop travelled south to open their league campaign with a tricky start at Ashby. Games against the 2 sides have been competitive for the past 3 seasons and this ding dong battle was to be no different.
A frenetic opening saw both sides trade early attacks only to be denied by solid goal keeping. It was Worksop, however, who eventually opened the scoring, a Matt Monroe shot, initially saved, was inadvertently kicked in his own goal by the Ashby keeper. The goal seemed to spur Ashby forward and if they have learned anything from playing Worksop it may be that they seem to be most vulnerable having just scored and this game was no different, within minutes it was 1 all and game on.
As if to make matters worse, Worksop found themselves down to 9 men within the blink of an eye, Arthur Nash and Dan Walker sinbinned for ill discipline. Despite a shortage of man power Sam Gawthorpe broke down the right, slipped in Renny Myles who fed Graeme Robinson, he coolly rounded the keeper and rifled home to restore their advantage at 2 - 1. However back came Ashby and shortly before half time the scores were again levelled at 2 all.
Half time allowed Worksop to take on much needed fluids and regroup for the final push. However things soon went wrong for the visitors and the home side were able to take the lead for the first time at 3 - 2, despite the heroics of goal keeper Ryan Haydon.
Undeterred Worksop continued to attack and were rewarded when Robinson scored his second as he spun and smashed home from the top of the D. Suddenly a point and an opening day draw beckoned for a side out on their feet in the hot sun. However it wasn't to be and Ashby finally broke Worksop hearts with a winner close to the end that finally killed off the game at 4 - 3.
Man of the Match: Sam Gawthorpe
Scorers: Robinson (2), Monroe
Saturday 24th September 2011
DerbyAsterdale 4 - 6 Worksop 1stXI
Brace was the buzz word around the Worksop dressing room as they reflected on their final warm up game of the season in Derby. Tired but satisfied afterwards, skipper Cardwell could be proud of his young squad as they managed to engineer a win despite fielding an inexperienced line up against a strong Asterdale squad.
Worksop started well in the afternoon sun but were guilty of missing some early opportunities with Cardwell, Gawthorpe and Robinson all testing the home keeper as the deadlock remained. Finally Worksop were rewarded with the opening goal, a well crafted short corner saw Gawthorpe with a neat finish. Asterdale showed some quality of their own and began to cause problems to a Worksop back line held together by Purnell and Geoff Walker. Despite a sterling effort by stopper Haydon, it was soon 1 - 1 as the hosts drew level.
Undeterred Worksop regained the lead with almost a carbon copy of their first goal, this time Cardwell opening his account for the season converting the visitors second short corner. The lead didn't last long as Asterdale broke down the Worksop right and despite a fantastic effort from the impressive youngster, Luke Burns, he could do nothing to prevent the game being tied up at two all. The sea saw battle continued, Worksop again restored their advantage, Robinson reacting quickly to fire home his own rebound.
The half time interval gave the visitors an opportunity to regroup and whatever was said must have worked, a long ball from Dan Walker found Robinson who neatly slid the ball under the advancing keeper to open up 2 goal advantage for his brace, finally Worksop thought they had taken control. However, the hosts had other ideas and after a quick fire double were level at 4 all. Digging in Worksop, drove on and with the young duo of Nash and Fuller showing maturity beyond their years from midfield, Worksop were again lethal in front of goal. Their third short corner conversion of the day completed brilliantly by Gawthorpe for his brace. A breakaway finally finished off the home side, Robinson, unselfishly presenting his captain with an open goal and his brace shortly before the final whistle.
Man of the match: Graeme Robinson
Scorers: Robinson (2), Gawthorpe (2), Cardwell (2)
1stXI 8 - 1 Newark Worksop returned to the Valley for their first home game of the season to play local rivals Newark in an early season friendly in readiness for the long league campaign ahead. With a few changes in personnel and blooding some of their youth, Worksop struggled with their fluent passing game and despite their ascendancy seemed easily frustrated as the visitors continued to shut them out during the early exchanges. With Sam Gawthorpe now patrolling the right, it was he and Arthur Nash who appeared most likely to provide Graeme Robinson and their stalwart skipper Simon Cardwell with the opportunity they needed to open the scoring. As a few short corners came and went, the ball finally found Robinson as he broke on goal and lifted the ball over the sprawling keeper. If the home side thought they were to have things all their own way they were to be mistaken.Newark carved out an opportunity of their own, fortunately a back line of Unwin, Purnell, Burns and Walker held firm. However they would have done well to heed the warning as the visitors did equalise only moments later with a sloppy goal of their own. Worksop managed to regroup and hit 2 quick goals before half time, perhaps underserved, with Gawthorpe firing home a booming strike and Robinson adding to his early strike with a tap in after great work from the young Nash. Half time was an opportunity for Cardwell to rally his troops and what he said clearly worked as the fluency returned and Worksop took control, albeit against a tired opposition. 5 further goals rattled past a shell shockedNewarkstopper with some great finishes from Mackenzie Glasby, Arthur Nash, Dec Fuller and a brace from Robinson. Despite a heavy win, Worksop have it all to do if they are to improve in time for their league campaign as they take to the field next week inDerbyfor their final friendly before the real action starts.
Saturday 17th September 2011
Man of the match - Luke Burns
Scorers - Robinson 4, Nash, Gawthorpe, Glasby, Fuller
3rdXI 3 - 4 Grantham 1stXI
Elsewhere Worksop 3rdXI took to the field and ran out a narrow loss to a Grantham 1stteam who only 12 months ago would have matched up against the hosts 1stteam. As usual it was a blend of youth and experience who pushed a physical Grantham side to the end and can take credit for a gutsy performance.
Saturday 10th September 11
South NottsXI 0-6 Worksop XI
Worksop opened their 2011/12 campaign with a short trip south to Bingham facing a selectSouth Nottseleven. An opportunity for cobwebs to be shaken and legs to be tested saw a decent encounter which, despite the score line, was competitive to then end. Worksop managed 3 strikes in each half with goals spread between six scorers.
Scorers: WillWalker, Rob Handy, Dec Fuller, Sam Gawthorpe, Brett Marsden, Graeme Robinson
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