The sun was reflecting off of Shez’s 16th pair of shades on Saturday morning as City geared up for a local clash against the Uni. This year the battle for Maiden Castle was to be against the 3rds. After a disappointing 4-3 loss in a pre-season fixture, City were determined to rectify the loss, by winning when it matters.

Fortunately City were supported by a new top-notch coach this week. The skipper, still on the road to recovery, was buzzing to be on the sideline, however, the much-anticipated suit did not appear, disappointingly replaced by a pair of trackies and an Arsene Wegner long coat. With the return of Dobbo and Chris H to the side and the loss of the Dragon to university life, there was a shuffle of the starting lineup, leading to Will O slotting in at attacking midfield and the return of Anth to the squad.

City started well, shifting the ball confidently and finding spaces in the Uni defences. Despite the early pressure there were no clear-cut chances for the opening 10 minutes. The deadlock was broken when a good passage of play left Anth with plenty of time on the p-spot, a canny reverse bunt slid the ball past the Uni keeper to give City a deserved early lead.

City continued to pile on the pressure, with two further goals in the next 15 minutes. The first came from a Dobbo delivery from outside the D. At first it looked the ball had too much power and would slide of the baseline without any threat, however, an outstretched stick from the Eel, slipping in behind the Uni defender got the slightest of touches. The second was almost identical. The same well worked position left Dobbo once again free at the top, who fired the ball in, this time the deflection came from Stevie. Despite the awkward position he managed to bobble the ball so the defender on the line could not trap the ball but edge it onto the backboard. After the third goal the Uni changed their approach, playing Man-to-Man. City tried to react, by switching formation. Although this led to a few confused faces and players being out of position, City were able make it to half-time with the advantage un-damaged.

The Uni came out in the second half with a full-on press. Trying to force City mistakes and give them a way back into the game. City struggled get any meaningful possession in the opening exchanges of the second period. The Dobbo aerial as an important outlet was even hampered by the braindead appeals of Rob, who decided that standing with his arms in the air, like an inflatable tube man, was good enough to win a foul. Surprisingly the umpires weren’t particularly amused with this trick. Just before the 50-minute mark a Uni short corner delivered outside the right post was deflected and the deficit had been reduced to two. A follow up Uni corner was well saved by Blair, who had to make a leaping effort. With City facing the pressure, they began to play through the aggressive press. Leading to a number of one-on-one attempts that were squandered. City switched to 4-3-3 for the last part of the game. Coordinating this change could do with some work, but perhaps our hand-eye coordination might need some improving as well, mentioning no-one in particular, *cough* Matt G *cough*(who had Shez the sniper to thank for his unfortunate tumble), we still managed to repel the growing Uni threat. This final period was the best period of possession City enjoyed all game. Dobbo, Ben B, Chris H and Dunc controlled the game at the back and stopped any worries of a last-minute Uni comeback.

After three games a 7-point return places City in an excellent position for the rest of the campaign. The YNE Prem returns to Maiden Castle Pitch 2 for next week’s fixture against Harrogate.

MOM: Tom S - The Eel for another good goal this campaign.
DOD: Matt G – For his human domino impression.

Durham City Hockey Club

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