Gore Court 3 - 1 Ashford
The Gore Court Men’s 1st XI Hockey team started their season well with a victory over local rivals Ashford in a tight end to end match. Newly promoted Gore Court began the match sluggishly and was lucky to carry a 2-1 lead into half time. Ashford looked dangerous on the quick break and was rewarded early in the first half for their persistence. Goals to Brook and Surridge steadied the home team just before the half time break after a hectic game slowed considerably due to Gore Court keeping more controlled possession late in the half. After the break Gore Court looked far more organised and settled in their structures and dominated the rest of the match.
Gore Court Coach Darrel Cassidy said, “The game was frenetic in the first 10-15 minutes due to our inability to keep the ball in the attacking third and convert circle penetrations. Some structural misunderstandings in defence also made it a bit easier for Ashford to have a look at us. So ironing these things out at half time made a significant difference to the tempo of the game. Playing hockey like a game of ping pong is not the best idea when you are playing on an extremely hot day”.
Gore Court look to emulate their successful start this weekend with a game away to Epsom.
epsom 2 - 3 gore court
After a winning start to the league season last weekend, Gore Court faced up to league opponents Epsom in a match that would be difficult due to the fact that Epsom was an unknown quantity. Trailing 1-0 after a nervous first 15mins, Gore Court hit back with a first time finish from the top of the circle, to 15 yr old Jack Pogson. In only his second match for the first team, Pogson settled the visitor’s nerves and it was not long before Lewis Bennett added a superb reverse finish, taking the visitors in to half time with a one goal cushion. This lead was short lived, as the home team immediately rallied after the break to level the scores from a melee in front of the Gore Court goal. Gore Court and Epsom battled for ascendency in the early half of the second spell with both teams trying to manage possession of the ball better than the other. Gore Court managed to dominate possession and control of the tempo of the game for the last 15mins of the match, leading to a diving finish from, out of position, Rob Payne. Needing to hold out the home team for a remaining 5 minutes Gore Court increased the pass rate and ball speed to easily see the game to its conclusion.
In midfield, man of the match, Ryan Burke balanced skill and speed carrying the ball at the opposition defence and linking superbly with the strikers. Paul Surridge, Tom Greenhall and Tom Oyler were also standouts in defence controlling the direction and pace of the game in the crucial dying moments of the game.
GORE COURT 3 - 3 MAIDSTONE
After starting the brighter, Gore Court took the lead when a well worked move was finished off neatly by Ryan Burke in the 12th minute. Dominating possession throughout the first half Gore Court looked comfortable riding out the half to leading 1-0.
The second spell turned dramatically in Maidstone’s favour when they equalised shortly after the break. Gore Court capitalised on a one man advantage to take the lead again in the 45th minute through an Aaron Glass strike. Maidstone’s worries were further compounded by the loss of another player leaving them down to 9. This however seemed to galvanise the visitors and they managed to score from the penalty spot after counter attacking as Gore Court threw men forward trying to seal the result. Rocked by the score, the home team tried frantically to restore the lead while still having a one man advantage and were again undone by a breakaway deflection that stole the lead away from the home side. With 5 minutes remaining Gore Court piled on the pressure trying desperately to equalise. It was with only 3 minutes remaining that Gore Court were awarded a late penalty stroke which was converted calmly by Glass.
“I think both sides will walk away from this game shaking their heads”, said Gore Court coach Darrel Cassidy. “Maidstone will be looking at how they surrendered three points at 3-2 with 5 minutes to go, and I am completely bemused as to why we could not close the game out at 2-1 with Maidstone down to 9. We gambled heavily and unnecessarily during this spell and got hit on the counter twice. More patience and controlling the turnover ball in a structured fashion would have lead to the next goal”.
GORE COURT 4 - 1 TULSE HILL & DULWICH
Gore Court secured a vital three points on the weekend outplaying a lack-lustre Tulse Hill and Dulwich who had sat slightly higher on the league table prior to this match.
A stunning display by in form Aaron Glass saw Gore Court lead the visitors into half time with a 2-1 lead after Glass had slammed home two trade mark penalty corners and lit up the field with blistering attacking runs.
The game had been a tight midfield battle throughout the first half with Tom Oyler taking control of proceedings, unleashing penetrating passes through to a sharp and busy forward line. The home side stayed resolute at the back and limited Tulse Hill’s forays into Gore Court's circle lapsing only once to allow the visitors a solitary score just before the half.
The second spell started brightly for the home side with Glass netting another and Lewis Bennett sneaking home a well taken solo effort to close the game out at a satisfying 4-1. Outstanding performances from Jason Setterfield who has recently recovered from injury, and Pete MacKenney ensured the home teams defence stayed organised and secure.
“Today was a very important psychological test for us in terms of getting back to winning ways”, said coach Darrel Cassidy. “We have had a really tough time with injury over the last month and this has directly influenced our ability to grind out tense wins against some of the league leaders. Having a couple of key players back fit, and in form, was crucial to our performance and backing up last weeks win with another three points restores confidence and belief in what we are doing.”
Gore Court take on league leaders Oxford Hawks away next weekend.