Oh no that’s not good:

After accruing 7 points from the first 3 games, City were determined to add to that tally in their fourth encounter of the season. Today’s fixture would be against a veteran side in this league, Harrogate. Once more Saturday was blessed with mild and sunny weather, perfect for hockey. The skipper still on his journey back to full health has taken to his new role as kit man. Handing out the freshly washed and sweet-smelling shirts (the conditioner used remains a closely guarded secret). Anth had also decided to take the perilous decision, with regards to DOD votes, and show off his brand-new pearly whites. No not his teeth, but a pair of dazzling astros.

City got off to the worst possible start. Lacklustre and sluggish. Inviting all the early pressure. Harrogate looked destined to score, and it only took them six minutes to break the deadlock. A series of simple passes down our defensive right-side, Harrogate cut through easily and found themselves nearing the baseline where a brilliant reverse stick pass flat and hard to the far post was met with a diving effort to deflect the ball past Blair. The second goal came shortly after as Durham failed to rally. A short corner for Harrogate was slipped left and the resulting shot towards the goal found the back netting. Durham were shellshocked, and knew things had to change. Resorting to the old school 4-3-3, City were able to gain a small foothold in the game. As the opening half passed, City had a couple of chances to reduce the deficit. However, we sadly couldn’t put them away. The first was a reaction deflection from Tom S. After it was fired in, he couldn’t get his touch on target. Later a nice bit of hockey left the Harrogate keeper scrambling as he came out of his goal. The ball was then fed across the top of the D for Rob, who had a semi-open goal, if not for the flying Harrogate keeper who dived full stretch, the score would have been 2-1. However, City went into half-time still two goals in arrears.

For the majority of the second half, City were more solid and retained possession better working it up the pitch well. However, Harrogate denied City any clear-cut chances in the second half and the team went the whole game without winning a short corner. As the game waned and Durham strived for a goal, a questionable call from our long corner, due to a City player not being five, was given, and the resulting unstoppable 4 v.s.1 counterattack led to a third goal for Harrogate, cementing the game in their favour. They did score one more goal before the end via a powerful strike from a short corner, embellishing the scoreline.

This result is City’s first loss in the Yorkshire and Northeast leagues since the 18th of February 2023. It is a clear reality check about the challenge the YNE Prem poses, however, it will be a great learning opportunity to grow and develop. Next week is the short trip up the road to face Newcastle Uni 1’s that will certainly be the toughest test yet.

DOD: Dobbo for his blatant (but somewhat justified) backchat.
MOM: Jared for winning Rock, Paper, Scissors.

Durham City Hockey Club

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