A number of weeks have passed since I last penned a match report. In fact before the 2-0 loss last weekend to Durham Uni 3s, it had been months since the last hockey had been possible due to the cold and frosty weather across the country. However, despite the unfortunate result last weekend City were happy to be back out on the astroturf.

We knew this weekend, away at Harrogate, would be a challenge, having been on the wrong side of a 4-0 scoreline earlier in the early season home fixture. However, the 14-man squad were confident that if we played to our strengths there was definitely a chance to pick up some crucial points. With the short trip down the A1 complete and the traditional car park warm up finished, it was time for some hockey.

The first half was nothing to write home about. Both sides created some half-chances and earned themselves a few short corners apiece but neither side looked like they wanted to take the game by the scruff of the neck and carve out an opening. City were happy to sit in a solid formation and cause Harrogate problems on the counterattack, whereas the home side had more control of the ball, without finding that killer instinct. Having weathered a frantic final five minutes to the first half. City were relieved that the halftime scoreline remained 0-0.

The opening 10 minutes of the second half was probably the most ruthless and clinical hockey City have played all season. Whether divine inspiration or an MK halftime pep talk had prompted such killer instincts, I’ll leave the readers to decide. At the end of the short spell Durham ended three goals to the good and clear favourites for the 3 points. The first goal came two minutes into the second half. Durham picked the ball high up the pitch and after a few sharp passes Matt Kettley passed the ball across the D to an open Rob, who found the top left corner with his usual nonchalant style. Again the gap to the next goal was just two minutes. A similar counter-attacking move led to a bit of chaos in the D. Hal pounced on the loose ball with an instinctive slap towards goal where the Harrogate keeper had recently vacated, so the distinctive metallic rattle of the backboard signalled a second City goal in quick succession. Like clockwork the third followed two minutes later. Once again, Harrogate failed to stop City on the counterattack. This time the flashing blonde streak of Matt Kettley across the top of the D could only be stopped by a Harrogate defender who was too desperate to consider the consequences of an attempted challenge. Flinging himself from behind he sent Matt tumbling towards the floor, a tackle that was topped off with a flourish (a pitch perfect scream from the City skipper). Not only was the Harrogate defender shown a yellow card but also a penalty stroke was awarded. Up stepped Mr Nonchalant to finish into the top left corner once more. City were now leading by three goals in no time at all, Harrogate were dumfounded.

The final thirty minutes of the game became ever nervier as the full-time whistle drew nearer. Despite Harrogate gaining full control of the game City were resolute in their defence for the majority of the second half. As the legs got more tired, Harrogate found it easier to make circle entries and they won a number of short corners that they did not convert. Their first goal came thirteen minutes from the end of the game. With Harrogate pressing City in, they won the ball high up the pitch and in the defensive scramble that followed, they found a way to force the ball past Rich, 3-1. Harrogate kept up their intense press and Durham found it difficult to play around it. The home side even took their keeper off, to gain an outfield advantage, with around 7 or 8 minutes remaining. The onslaught of Harrogate attacks kept piling the pressure on the ever more panicked away team. During this period, Durham were forced to survive a relentless barrage of short corners. One hitting the post. Several missing narrowly wide. And the rest being kept out by the Wall, aka, Rich Root. One of which was a spectacular diving stick stop low down to his right. It felt like the City defence would give, and it was breached for the second time in the 68th minute. Another short corner, in which, Harrogate changed the angle of their flicker, putting Rich, who had been superb all game, off balance, so the ball found away in between his legs to make it 3-2. Two minutes left. Could city hold on?

One defender decided to make the answer to that question a definitive no. Will in a braindead moment, thought that playing the ball across the D, directly to the Harrogate forward would liven up a game that was already far too tense for City’s liking. Fortunately the home side failed to capitalise, saving the defender from even more embarrassment. Right at the end, cheers could be heard as the Eel won a foot high up the pitch giving Durham some relief as they saw out the remaining time. A mixture of jubilation and sighs could be heard from the Durham players as the full-time whistle went.

What started the day as a hopeful target had become reality and City returned north with three more points in the bag. Next week will be an even sterner test as Durham face league leaders, Newcastle Uni, at home.

MOM: Rich Root (Excellent saves, ensured the three points)
DOD: Will O (Making the game exciting by giving the ball to their forward with two minutes to play)

Durham City Hockey Club

Match details

Match date

Push back

Competition

League position

Login