Mids ground out a good win to secure promotion with their final game of the season. Only a win would have done with the third place side hot on their heels and despite a nervy game, Mids did what they needed to do. Yeovil had beaten Mids just before Christmas so there was a score to settle. The weather was scorching for the end of March and the hot conditions hampered both sides. The game started at a slow pace with Mids not ready to risk too much with a win so vital. After 15 minutes, Mids took the lead through Ben Rogers. A great run by James Oliver saw him square the ball to Matt Pope who in turn squared to Rogers who, with an open goal, couldn't miss. The lead only lasted a couple of minutes as Yeovil equalised through a short corner. The rest of the half saw Mids retreat into their shells, scared to push forward in case Yeovil broke again. The shade of the half time team talk was just the opportunity for Mids to reflect on their cowardice and buck up their ideas. Another cagey start to the half was broken by returning captain Roger Knife. A through ball from Christian Oliver rebounded off the post to confuse the opposition keeper. Knife was on hand to squeeze the ball home. Again though Mids gave Yeovil too much space and they were level again within a minute or so. This time Mids didn't let it hamper their desire. The home side pressed and again took the lead with Ben Rogers second. The ball was worked to the left side of the D and Rogers was their to slide the ball past the keeper. Great defensive work by Dan Durston, Andy Rogers, Tom Grove, and Mark Salvage kept Yeovil at bay and Matt Reay commanded his area with authority making some great saves. Fantastic work by Will Mandil gave Mids the platform for most of their attacks and Jo Burnell and Ryan French combined well to break up play and played their part in creating chances for the forwards. The game was secured when Rogers Jnr completed his hatrick. Matt Pope escaped down the wing and a pin point cross left Rogers with the chance to lift the ball into the net. A big thanks to Steve Dowden for umpiring at the last minute and to Jerry Pickles, Alan Wilton, Dave Morgan, Holly Smith, Rosie Palmer, Clare Malcolmson, and Rich Connick for umpiring for umpiring during the season. Also a huge thanks to everyone that has played for the 1st team this season and most importantly to Andy Rogers for coaching this season. It has been the main reason behind the team doing so well this year. A month off now before summer league begins in May.
Torbay 1 Mid Somerset 3 - 17/3/2012
With two games of the season to go, Mids needed two wins to guarantee promotion and they secured the first with a great performance against a strong Torbay side. Mids had lost to the south coast side earlier in the season and this was a great time for pay back. The game started well for the home side and Mids had to hold on for the first 10 minutes. Mids created chances but were seemed nervous on the ball. Torbay took the lead mid way through the half during open play with a well taken goal. Mids managed to keep the attackers at bay until half time and the break came at just the right time. Mids had to regroup and calm down as playing their game would result in a win. Mids did exactly what they needed to do in the second half and you could argue they'd saved their best half for then. Passes clicked and with some intricate moves in midfield, Mids began to cut the Torbay defence open. Some cracking ariel balls from Andy Rogers in defence, caused havoc. It was a swift flowing move that led to the equaliser. The ball was switched round the back and worked to Will Mandil. He drove forward and played the ball into the D. Steve Dowden swept the ball home with his first touch. That inspired Mids and it was all the away side for the rest of the half. Ben Rogers continued with his knack for individual goals and scored his first with a run down the left wing. Leaving defenders in his wake he ghosted into the area and hit a reverse strike into the top corner. Mids didn't stop and before long, were 3-1 up, again with a goal from Rogers junior. This time the ball was lofted towards goal and controlled well. The ball was worked to the left and Rogers flicked the ball towards goal. Captain for the day Christian Oliver jumped out of the way and the ball rolled into the corner. The remainder of the half saw Mids confidently keep possession and marshalled the Torbay attack with a solid performance by Dan Durston in defence. The home side were limited to only a couple of chances but could not score further. A fantastic win which was well deserved and Mids final game of the season is a home game against Yeovil & Sherbourne this weekend with a win securing promotion
Taunton Civil Service 3 Mid Somerset 4 - 10/3/2012
After dropping two points with a draw last week, Mids needed to win their remaining three games of the season to guarantee promotion. This target began with a first win but they made it difficult. It was another sweltering day and with 11.5 players (due to illness) most Mids players ended up playing a full game. It was a cagey start with both sides keeping possession well but not creating much in the final third. It took a individual piece of brilliance to wake the game up from Ben Rogers. He received the ball just inside the opposition half and with the ball seemingly glued to his stick, he danced past three or four players and then lobbed the keeper to give Mids the lead. Unfortunately, they couldn't keep their lead for long and from a short corner, the ball wasn't quite cleared and Taunton scored the equaliser. The game pace dropped slightly but Mids managed to take the lead through Matt Pope. The ball was worked well from a short corner into the area and Pope took a touch before flicking into the corner. Mids weren't finished in the first half and James Oliver got his name onto the score sheet when Pope turned provider. Christian Oliver swept the ball into D and a great triangle of passes between Rogers, Pope and James Oliver left James to slip the ball under the keeper. With a half time lead, the team talk was simple but Mids knew they needed to keep the pressure up. Their task wasn't helped by losing a couple of players to yellow cards and therefore the sin bin. Firstly Mark Salvage was unlucky when is complaint against an umpiring decision saw him receive 5 minutes. The decision in question was a penalty flick awarded to Taunton. They scored this to reduce the deficit. Mids then conceded a third and Taunton got their equaliser when a short corner was deflected past Matt Reay in goal. Reay was then the recipient of the second yellow card. He inadvertently kicked the ball outside the area and left the field for 5 minutes. Andy Rogers took his place and made a vital stop, despite only having a helmet on. Mids regrouped and scored the winner through Pope. He made a great deflection from a short corner and gave Mids all three points. Mids will need to continue this form with a win against Torbay this weekend.
Mid Somerset 2 ISCA 2 - 26/2/2012
The second game of the weekend saw the rearranged game against ISCA. Both teams had played the day before and the unseasonal temperature certainly didn't help already tired legs. ISCA had done Mids a favour in beating the league leaders the day before so it was always going to be a tough game. Mids began where they had left off less than 20 hours earlier and pressed the ISCA defence. Several chances were created but Mids found the opposition keeper in good form. ISCA had brought a few unfamiliar players with them and they began to come into the game and made some chances of their own. The first goal of the game came from Mids when James Oliver burst into the D. He laid the ball off to Roger Knife who in turn popped the ball to Ben Rogers to convert. ISCA did get a goal back from a short corner before half time and the score was a fair reflection of the game until then. Mids were tired but managed to muster a spirited second half. Against the run of play, ISCA took the lead but Mids didn't let this get them down and they continued to press and create chances. It wasn't long before Mids had equalised through Matt Pope. ISCA stopped expecting to be awarded a foul. Mids played to the whistle and passed ball around the keeper, finished by Pope. The game at times got rather heated with both teams vying for promotion and special thanks needs to go to Rich and Clare for umpiring. Mids now sit top of the table and have a home tie against Okehampton this weekend in Wells.
Taunton Vale 1 Mid Somerset 7 - 25/2/2012
Mids faced the first game of a double header last weekend with a trip to Taunton. It was an important game with Mids now vying for top spot in the league. Mids started well and passed the ball but it took a short corner for the scoring to begin. Andy Rogers initial strike was saved but he slotted home the rebound. Rogers doubled the score from a further short corner with an unstoppable shot into the corner. The remainder of the half saw Vale come back into the game. Mids focus dropped and Taunton scored after they were awarded a short corner of their own. The half time team was not pleasant but Mids needed it to wake up and it worked. They started with a bang and soon went three one up when Rogers completed his hatrick. All that went wrong in the first half turned to gold in the second with some fantastic slick passing moves cutting the Taunton defence apart. Next on the score sheet was Matt Pope who finished a move at the second attempt. Will Mandil danced into the area and his slipped pass was cleverly diverted past the keeper by James Oliver to make it five. The roles were then reversed as Oliver lifted a ball across goal and Mandil was there to pick it out of the air. The seventh goal was scored by Steve Dowden who swept home a Pope shot. With the top team losing, Mids go joint top of the table.
Mid Somerset 7 Ottery Crickets 1 - 18/2/2012
Mids find themselves at the business end of the season with every game counting. One slip and their push for promotion could end. This performance wasn't quite emphatic as last weekend but the scoreline suggested otherwise. The home side opened the scoring through Wil Mandil as he forced the ball over the line after a goal line melee. Next to score was Roger Knife who swept the ball home to end a flowing move. Ben Rogers joined the score sheet when he got the final touch in another goal line scramble to make it three. The away side would have been pleased to go into the break only three goals down as Mids couldn't utilise their greater possession to its full potential. Mids were briefly down to 10 when Steve Dowden was given a yellow card for a high stick. It wasn't long after the break before Matt Pope added to his season's haul. Mids won a short corner and Pope collected and dispatched the rebound after Andy Rogers initial shot was saved. Knife made it a brace from the next short corner and then completed his hatrick by being first to react to a saved shot and swept home. Despite already having to buy a jug, Knife wasn't finished and after a great through ball from Mark Salvage, he squeezed the ball under the on rushing keeper to trickle the ball over the line. Ottery did get a consolation goal and made the final score 7-1 when they were awarded a penalty flick after the ball struck a Mids foot on the line. Mids will be happy to increase their goal tally but have a tough weekend ahead with a double header against Taunton Vale and then ISCA on Saturday and Sunday.
Sidmouth 0 Mid Somerset 6 - 11/2/2012
After last weekends game being cancelled due to a frozen pitch, Mids travelled to a sunny Sidmouth for their latest game. The Wells based team needed to maintain their push at the top of the table and they did this with ease. From the start of the game it was all Mids. All over the pitch, Sidmouth were given no time on the ball and this led to mistakes. Mids couldn't use all the pressure and the home keeper was on fire making point blanks saves from Matt Pope and James Oliver. It took the travelling side 25 minutes to break down the Sidmouth defence and force the ball past the keeper. A ball down the left saw Dave Holmes drive into the D. His shot was well saved and so was a rebound but nothing could be done about the final rebound which fell to Ben Rogers who lifted in. One nil at half time left Mids frustrated due to amount of the ball they had enjoyed. The second half saw Mids maintain the fast tempo and this time Sidmouth couldn't keep them out. Mids took Sidmouth apart with five goals in the second half all worth a mention. Mark Salvage took a quick side line ball which played Roger Knife in. He took one touch and hammered the ball home. Matt Pope scored next after being first to react to a save by the keeper and swept home. A lifted ball over the top from Will Mandil was controlled well by Christian Oliver who's squared ball was finished by Steve Dowden. Pope scored almost a copy cat goal for his brace, again being first to react after an initial save. The scoring was finished by Rogers who also completed his brace with a neat reverse strike into the corner. Mids can take some real positives from this result and will take this form into a home game against Ottery Crickets this weekend at 13:00.
West Dorset 3 Mid Somerset 6 - 28/1/2012)
After getting back on track with a win in their previous game, Mids needed to continue their run of form. This they did with a fantastic performance coming from two goals down for a comprehensive win. Mids trip to Bridport started badly when they were disallowed a clear goal. This was compounded by Dorset taking the lead after 10 minutes. A short corner was converted and then a couple of minutes later the lead was two nil. This woke Mids up and the remainder of the half was all the away side. Mids pulled a goal back before half time when James Oliver converted a short corner. His initial shot was saved but he slotted home the rebound. The half time team talk was positive and seemed to do the job. Within five minutes of the restart, Mids were in front. Excellent work up front by Oliver, Matt Pope and Wil Mandil created short corners and Andy Rogers stepped up to power two unstoppable shots into the corner of the net. Any wind left in the Dorset sails was well and truely extinguished when Roger Knife swept home a finish after great work from Pope on the right. The home side had a glimmer of hope when they scored a third from a short corner but this was their last contribution to the game as Mids again attacked the Dorset defence. Attack after attack put huge pressure on the Dorset goal and Steve Dowden finished a fine move with a strike into the corner. Dowden then completed his brace with a cheeky flick across the goal past the keeper. A great win and team performance sees Mids keep within the top two and pushing for promotion. This weekend Mids face ISCA at 13:00 in Wells.
Mid Somerset 4 Bridgwater 3 - 21/1/2012
Mids returned to winning ways but they made it tricky for themselves. After slipping from the top of the table for the first time this season, Mids needed a win to gain confidence and keep up with the chance for promotion. The home side started well and moved and passed well with a midfield two of James Oliver and Will Mandil. The two youngsters ran midfield and create several chances. One of which led to a Mids short corner. Ryan French stepped up in the absence of Andy Rogers and hs powerful shot gave Mids the lead. Bridgwater pressed but the Mids defence held firm and before the break Mids doubled their lead when Steve Dowden tucked the ball away. Mids would have wished for the 1st half to never end but the break was just what the away side needed. From the whistle, Mids lost the ball and were punished by a swift move from Bridgwater. Within a couple of minutes, they were level when another mix up in defence saw the ball bounce of the post and leave the attacker with an open goal. The day went from bad to worse when Bridgwater took the lead. Mids needed to buck up their ideas and the shoots of improvement began to grow. Roger Knife broke down the left and his cross was converted by French for his brace. With five minutes to go. A jinking run by Mandil saw a passed slipped to Matt Pope. He had a lot to do and deftly lifted the ball over the keeper from the angle. Mids had a nervy last few minutes to endure but held out to take the three points. Mids face West Dorset this weekend.
Taunton Vale 2 Mid Somerset 0 - 14/1/2012)
Mids suffered their third defeat in a row in their top of the table clash. Missing three regular players and up against a much improved Taunton side, Mids found it tricky to start with. The game was played at a frantic pace and both teams created chances. Mids didn't have the best of luck and either missed passes or players slipping at the wrong time meant their chances went begging. Taunton on the other hand made the most of their chances and following an ariel down the middle of the pitch being missed by the Mids defence, a Vale forward drew the keeper and squared to his partner to sweep home. Mids spent the remainder of the half absorbing pressure and defending but they kept the score at one nil. Mids improved in the second half and for the first 15 minutes, it was all the away side. Mids won five short corners and should have converted at least two of them but narrowly missed at the post. All that pressure ended with nothing and on the break, Vale scored what turned out to be the decisive goal. Mids didn't give up but couldn't find the net themselves with the home sides goalkeeper rightly receiving the man-of-the-match award by his team. Mids face Bridgwater this weekend at home and will look to get back to winning ways. 13:00 ko at Wells Blue School.
Shepton Mallet 5 Mid Somerset 4 (Post Christmas friendly)
The festive cobwebs were definately blown out last weekend in the seemingly annual local fixture. Despite being within 5 miles of each other, Mids and Shepton are in different area leagues and so these friendly affairs are the only opportunity to test their wits against each other. The weather was clear but cold and both teams were glad of their extra Christmas weight that was still clinging on. Mids were missing a couple of regular players and coming off the back to two losses in the league before the festive break, it was always going to be a tricky game. With a younger side and experience of playing at a higher standard, the home side started the stronger. Mids tried to keep up but with slicker passing and a high tempo, it wasn't long before Shepton took the lead. Matt Reay got a hand to the shot but it was too powerful and crept in. Within five minutes, they were two goals up when, despite two initial saves, Reay couldn't avoid the third shot crossing the line. Mids got back into the game from a short corner. Some good work on the break created the chance and Andy Rogers stepped up to plough the ball between the keepers legs. Mids certainly ended the half the stronger and leveled prior to the break. Christian Oliver split the Shepton defence with a deceptive reverse pass that left Jake Connick in on goal. He cheekily deceived the keeper and lifted the ball home. The second half was end to end and as the score line suggests, not a good day to be a goal keeper. Shepton took the lead but this was cancelled out by Roger Knife who coverted from the angle. The home side once again scored but this time Ben Rogers pounced on to a cross from Knife to level at 4-4. Unfortunately for Mids, within a minute, Shepton scored the decider with a powerful strike. For Mids, this was a good test of the what they could expect if their promotion push goes to plan. League games return this weekend with a top of the table clash against Taunton Vale.
Yeovil & Sherbourne 2 Mid Somerset 1
After their first loss of the season, Mids needed a win to get back on track with this last game before Christmas. Unfortunately, it wasn't the result they needed as they slipped to their second straight defeat. Again missing a couple of regular players and up against third in the league Yeovil, it was always going to be tough and the first 5 minutes was testament to that. The home side were awarded 5 short corners in quick succession but the Mids defence did well to keep a clean sheet. Mids then came back into the game and created a couple of corners themselves. Yeovil took the lead when a slip in defence left an attacker with an easy sweep into the net. Mids equalised a short time later after a strong run into the box by Jo Burnell created a chance for Jake Connick who's shot, despite the best efforts of the Yeovil defence, trickled over the line. The second half began in a similar fashion to the first with Yeovil having all the possession. From this they pounced on another mix up in the Mids defence to take the lead. Mids had the better of the remainder of the half but couldn't get the all important equaliser. Mids spent the final 5 minutes with only 10 players after their goal keeper, Matt Reay, was sent off for dissent. Despite this Mids almost grabbed a leveller when Jake Connick hit the post. A disappointing end to the year but joint top of the league at Christmas is a good result. Mids next game is in the New Year against Taunton Vale.
Mid Somerset 1 Torbay 3
Mids suffered their first defeat of the season with a loss to up and coming Torbay. The south coast team had been docked 7 points at the start of the season as they had dropped their first team from the league. This left Mids playing a team made up of players technically from two divisions above them. This superior skill showed from the kick off as Torbay raced into a two goal lead. Both goals were initially well saved by Matt Reay in goal but weren't cleared quick enough so were dispatched by Torbay attackers. Mids seemed over run in every department of the pitch. Their task wasn't helped by missing a couple of regular players but when their backs are against the wall, Mids seem to play better. The final 10 minutes of the first half saw Mids come back into the game. They were unlucky not to get on the score sheet with a couple of opportunities narrowly missing wide. A serious pep talk was given at half time and Mids came out for the second half all guns blazing. It was clear that Mids could pressurise Torbay into mistakes and this is what they did. They gave their guests no time on the ball and this limited them to just one chance. Unfortunately this is all they needed to take a three goal lead. Mids didn't get disheartened and pulled a goal back when Christian Oliver finished well on his reverse. Mids pressed and created a handful of chances but couldn't finish them off. Mids remain top of the table and face another tricky game this weekend against Yeovil and Sherbourne.
Mid Somerset 3 Taunton Civil Service 1
Top of the table Mids faced an ever improving Taunton side in a tough home game. With a couple of regular players missing, the task wasn't helped but the result showed the strength in depth Mids currently have. Civil Service had improved from their early season form due to some new additions and Mids experienced this form in the first 15 minutes of the game. The home side were under pressure from the start with Service dominating the midfield battle. Some good defensive work and smart goalkeeping kept the score at 0-0. This pressure eventually led to the away side taking the lead. A well worked move split the Mids defensive and left the attacker free to sweep into an empty net. As in previous games, conceding a goal was the best thing that could have happened for Mids. They began to click in midfield and this created chances. Mids created a short corner and it was dispatched powerfully by Andy Rogers. Mids went into the break in the lead after Jake Connick, returning to the team, ended a great move to sweep home. Mids knew they had plenty to do to hold on for the win and their second half performance certainly showed they'd listen. A much more accomplished performance saw Service restricted to only a couple a chances and they were dealt with superbly by Reay in goal. Mids on the other hand created chance after chance but were unlucky not to score. The only goal of the second half came again from the stick of Rogers who slammed home another short corner. The final 10 minutes did see a couple of yellow cards as tempers flared but despite this the final whistle saw hand shakes all round and it extends Mids stay at the peak of their league for a further week. Another home game this weekend with a 13:00 ko against Torbay at Wells Blue School.
Okehampton 1 Mid Somerset 4
Top of table Mids travelled to Okehampton for a potential banana skin of a game. Okehampton were third in the league and had been promoted into the league last season. Not having played them for a few seasons, Mids didn't know what to expect and received quite a rude awakening in the first five minutes. The home side passed the ball when and on a couple of occasions opened up the Mids defence. Luckily they couldn't take their chances and it was Mids that opened the scoring. A swift move saw Steve Dowden receive the ball in the area. He rounded the keeper and flicked the ball at goal. It was going in but Will Mandil made saw. It wasn't long before Mandil made up for his poach and laid the ball off to Dowden to double the lead. The remainder of the half was played at a frantic pace with both teams playing some fantastic hockey. Both teams created chances but it remained two nil until the break. The second half was all Mids. They extended their lead when the Mids defence broke up play and the ball was moved through midfield. Mandil timed his pass through to Roger Knife to perfection and Knife slotted under the keeper. Okehampton did get a consolation goal when Mids failed to clear the ball in their own D and an attacker pounced. Matt Reay made some fantastic saves from short corners and open play to keep their goal tally at one. The game was wrapped up with five minutes to go when Christian Oliver nutmegged the keeper from an unselfish pass by James Oliver to end another flowing move. Mids remain unbeaten and face Taunton Civil Service this weekend.
Mid Somerset 4 Taunton Vale 1
This was the second Taunton Vale side Mids had faced this season and it turned out to be a carbon copy result for the Wells based team. Despite the score comparison, the style of play in the first half was at polar opposites. Mids have developed a high tempo way of playing but for the first 15 minutes, Mids were almost too hyped and gave away too many fouls and possession to Vale. They were lucky to take the lead when a scuffed shot by Matt Pope bobbled awkwardly in front of the keeper and Roger Knife was on hand to force the ball over the line. The mistakes continued and play was too easily disrupted. If you can't pass the ball then you need Rob Newman to hoist an ariel 40 yards for Pope to take two touches and blaze the ball past the keeper. So that's what Mids did! But it was conceding a goal that woke Mids up. An uncharacteristic error by Newman left a Vale attacker a one-on-one with Matt Reay in goal. He scored but this was the best thing that could have happened. Thw half time chat also stoked the fire and Mids came out a different team in the second half. Vale couldn't settle and Steve Dowden extended the home sides lead and finished a great flowing move which ended with Dowden scoring from a Dave Holmes through ball. The scoring was ended by James Oliver who made a great run and was found by Christian Oliver with a through ball. His first touch took him coolly past the keeper and he slotted home. Mids face a tough trip to Okehampton this weekend.
Ottery Crickets 0 Mid Somerset 5
Mids found themselves top of the league after their impressive previous performances. The trip to Ottery St Mary was worth it in the end as Mids took all three points to retain their top spot. The team made a couple of chances due to absentees but the replacements slotted in easily and no one looked out of place. As with last weekend. Mids were in front within the first minute. A slick move was finished by Captain Roger Knife who powered home a shot from Steve Dowden's pass. Ottery had a youthful and skillful side but Mids experience showed and from a short corner, Andy Rogers doubled the lead with a sweet strike. Ottery created a couple of chances but the Mids defence was solid and Matt Reay in goal had very little to do. With 10 minutes of the half to go, Christian Oliver's pin point pass was collected by Dowden who spun his man and slotted past the keeper. The half time team talk called for more of the same but for the first 10 minutes of the half, it didn't seem Mids had listened. Ottery weren't able to capitalise and it was Mids who bucked up their ideas and scored again. This time it was Matt Pope who was released down the wing. He cut into the D and scored from an acute angle in typical fashion. Mids final goal came from their Man-of-the-Match Mark Salvige who following a great defensive display, found himself up front. He was on hand to put the ball in the back of the net following a save from Knife's shot. A good team performance and more of the same hopefully this weekend for a home game against Taunton Vale.
Mid Somerset 6 Sidmouth 1
Mid Somerset 2 ISCA 2
Three wins in three saw Mids near the top of the table with ISCA just above them. It was always going to be close and as the result shows, the teams couldn't be split. This doesn't tell the whole story and Mids were unlucky not to have a chance to win the game in the final couple of minutes. Mids started well and were soon into a groove. The pitch was very bouncy and this foxed a few players from both sides but once Mids settled, the chances came. Rob Newman in defence put some big ariel's into the opposition half to give Mids some great territory. It was Mids who took the lead after 15 mins when Wil Mandil danced into the home sides D and slipped the ball to Roger Knife to score. This buoyed Mids and they pressed for a second. Some good defensive work kept the Mids attackers at bay and in the last minute of the half it was ISCA who grabbed a goal. Their midfield were given too much time on the ball and they worked the ball to their attacker who slipped the ball under Matt Reay in goal. It was the first involvement Reay had in the half. Mids knew they deserved more and started the second half at a sprint. The added pressure led to mistakes by the ISCA defence which in turn drew some rash challenges. Mids took the lead when Mark Salvage played a pin point ball into the area which Mandil control well. His lay off again saw Knife with a chance to rip a shot into the roof of the net. Mids pressed for a third but it never came and again it was a late goal in the half that salvaged a draw for the home side. A missed passed left an ISCA player with only the keeper to beat. He did so and claimed a point for his side. Mids did have a chance to win it but were unlucky not be awarded a late short corner. Knife brace gave him the Man-of-the-Match award and a special mention goes to Dave's mate Euan who cycled from Street to Exeter for the game. This weekend its a home game against Sidmouth. For info on the club and training times
Mid Somerset 1 West Dorset 0
Two games and two wins has lead to Mids pushing for top spot in their league and a further win here has only boosted that chance. Mids began slowly and struggled to get into the game. Dorset capitalised on this and pressed all over the pitch. This led to mistakes by Mids and they were lucky not to concede. For Mids, the first half was spent either chasing the ball and opposition or giving the ball away. Mids couldn't stop or pass the ball and shooting was minimal. It wasn't good and needed improving in the second half. It seems to be the way Mids play with a poor first half but luckily it did improve in the second half. As with the previous game against Bridgwater, they came out in the second half and played as they were able to. Mids won more short corners and created several chances which all meant Dorset spent the majority of the half camped in their own half. It remained 0-0 until two minutes from the end when all the pressure finally told. A side line ball was worked to Rob Newman. He drove towards the D and slipped the ball to Andy Rogers. His first time sweep found the corner of the net and gave Mids all three points. Mids had made it hard for themselves but had dug out a win that in previous games might not have happened. A trip to Exeter this weekend for a game against ISCA. For info on the club including training times, visit www.midsomersethockeyclub.com
Bridgwater 1 Mid Somerset 2
What a difference a week makes with the weather as Mids arrived in Bridgwater in a gale. All the good work in the win last week against Taunton Vale would be undone with a poor performance in this game and on the first half performance, this could have been true. Mids started well but soon let Bridgwater into the game. The crisp passing from the previous game had gone and Mids were slightly fortunate to take the lead when they were awarded a short corner. Roger Knife trapped the ball well and took the shot himself which he powered into the corner for his first goal of the season. Mids held out until half time with some resolute defending and the midfield tracked back well to help out to. The players knew they needed to improve and that they did in the second half. They raised the tempo of the game and this frustrated the home side. The umpires were kept very busy with some passionate passages of play that saw both teams spoken to. It was Mids that extended their lead and pretty much wrapped the game up. A first time pass from Rob Newman released Matt Pope. He passed to Jake Connock who beat a defender and squared to first team debutant George Rockell. Rockell unleashed a thunderbolt of a shot into the top corner to end the move. Mids continued to press and with time running out, played some nice keep ball to run down the clock. The side did get a consolation goal but it was all too late and Mids took all three points. Some work to be done at training before a home game against Sidmouth this weekend, 13:00 push back. For info on the club and training times, please visit our website at www.midsomersethockeyclub.com
Mid Somerset 4 Taunton Vale 1
The first league game of the season saw Mids at home against a strong Taunton Vale side. With a mixed pre-season with one win and two losses, in part as Mids never had the same side out each week, it was nice to have the full team back. Taunton started well and in the unseasonal sweltering heat, Mids took some time to get into the game. But when they did they did in style. Firstly from a short corner. Will Mandil's accurate injection left Andy Rogers to power a shot into the corner on his return to the team. It wasn't long before Mids made it two. Rob Newman broke down the right wing and his lifting pass across goal was acrobatically diverted past the keeper by Matt Pope. Mids were on fire and Taunton struggled to even get the ball. When they did, Mids pressurised and forced mistakes from the visitors. The final 10 minutes of the first half saw Mids defending for the first time in the game but they did this superbly with Matt Reay saving well on a couple of occasions. The second half was always going to be difficult but Mids carried on where they left off and after 10 minutes, Pope had his second. The ball was shipped and Pope he took a couple of touches before shelling the ball into the top corner leaving the keeper flat footed. That was the game winner and despite Vale scoring from a penalty flick, Mids scored a fourth and Pope his hatrick. A clearance from defence left Jake Connick on his own up front with one defender to beat. He held the ball up well and laid it off to Pope who slipped it past the on rushing keeper. The game was won and Vale knew it. Mids held out for the convincing win and will take great confidence into their next game away to Bridgwater this weekend. Big thanks to Jeremy Pickles and Dave Morgan for umpiring. More info on the club including training times, visit www.midsomersethockeyclub.com
Mendip 2 - Mid Somerset 0 (24th September 2011 - Pre season friendly)
Mids final pre-season friendly saw the boys travel to Radstock to play a team for the first time in the shape of Mendip. The two teams had never met before and so Mids faced an unknown quantity on an unseasonally warm afternoon. Mids again had some different faces in the team and unfortunately the team were slow to gell. The home side pounced on this and managed to score in the first 5 minutes. This spurred Mids on and the team began to click. Will Mandil ended a strong run with a shot into the side netting. Matt Pope and Roger Knife worked well up front to create further chances and debutant George Rockel played with great composure. An uncharacteristic mistake at the back allowed a Mendip player in on goal. He only needed one chance to put his team two goals up. In the second half, Mids upped their game. Some solid defensive work reduced Mendips opportunities and created a platform for the midfield and forwards to work from. The only thing missing from the second half performance was a goal or two. It didn't happen but with the season starting this weekend, there were some real positives. To join the fun, visit our website at www.midsomersethockeyclub.com Training is on thursday nights at 8pm. Come on down.
Mid Somerset 0 - West Wilts 5 (17th September 2011 - Pre season friendly)
Another weekend, another friendly for Mids but due to a wedding and holidays, the club were short of players so it meant the side that faced West Wilts were a mixture of 1sts, 2nds and 3rds. This didn't seem to matter in the first 15 minutes as the makeshift side put together some flowing moves and were resolute in defence. All over the pitch players were filling in where required and this potentially was the undoing of Mids for the first couple of goals they conceded. Despite creating several short corners, it was the visitors who took the lead from a short corner. Half time saw Mids two down but they had had the vast majority of possession. With three substitutes, Mids were able to roll players on and off which really helped as the second half drew to a close. West Wilts fitness was that little bit better and with a player who was able to drag flick, the Mids defence could do nothing for the next two goals they conceded. The final score didn't portray the real story of the game and Mids can take some real positives especially with some players playing their first games at this level. Training for the Mens side has been moved to an 8 o'clock start and all are welcome. Visit our website for more information www.midsomersethockeyclub.co.uk
Mid Somerset 6 - Bath Buccs 3 (10th September 2011 - Pre season friendly)
Mids 2011/12 season started with a win in a friendly fixture against Bath Buccs. Mids have a new coach, new formation and new tactics and all of these combined well in spells to produce some great hockey. Mids opened the scoring through Christian Oliver who ended a flowing move with a reverse strike into the corner. All the pressure was on the Bath defence and this led to several short corners for Mids in the first half. From one of these Jake Connock scored his first goal with a great drag flick after a slick move. Bath did manage a goal which deceived Matt Reay in goal due to the slightest of touches diverting the ball. The forward line of Roger Knife, Connock and Will Mandil was working in harmony and it wasn't long before Mids regained their two goal lead before the break with a nice finish from Mandil. The second half began slowly as Mids reverted to trying to force the game. A stern talking to by coach Andy Rogers, put them back on track. A repeat of Connock's first goal gave him his brace and extended Mids lead to three. Bath scored again before a quick move by Mids left Oliver with a pass across the D which was dispatched by Connock for his hatrick. Again Bath scored but it was against the run of play and apart from that it was all Mids. A mean deflection from a Bath player left Knife with an open goal and therefore an easy tap in to make the final score 6-3. Thanks to Alan and Holly for umpiring. Mids are always looking for new players. Come along to training on Thursday night from 7pm at Wells Blue Leisure Centre. Also for info try www.midsomersethockeyclub.co.uk
Match Reports 10/11:
Yeovil 6 Mid Somerset 1 (26th March 2011)
Mids played their final game of the season and if they thought last week’s side were depleted, this was one a different scale. Cameron Dunn performed wonders and managed to find the extra players needed and Steve Dowden stepped in to play in goal, not at all his position, but he did very well. Yeovil needed to win in order to gain promotion and started with a strong side. They were shocked though after 10 minutes when Mids broke away and a great run from debutant and Man-of-the-Match Andy Stanger, led to Dunn playing the ball into the D. Christian Olivers first shot was saved but Ben Rogers picked up the rebound and guided it into the top corner. Mids held onto their lead until 10 minutes from half time when Yeovil equalised. They scored twice more before the break and this ended any Mids resolve. Mids were realistic and knew the game was over but they played their hearts out in the second half. Yeovil scored a further 3 goals but Mids created chances till the end and brought some fine saves out of the opposition keeper. Despite the loss, Mids can be proud of their efforts. Big thanks to all the players that have turned out for the team this season, all the umpires that have been vital and those involved in running the club. Thank you and see you for summer league
Mid Somerset 0 Exeter Uni 5 (19th March 2011)
Unfortunately for Mids, the score line says it all about this game. Exeter are chasing promotion and brought a strong side with them. Mids on other hand were depleted through injuries and holidays. The hot temperatures didn't help but the first half was an even affair. Mids forced a couple of saves from the visiting goalkeeper and should have taken the lead. Man-of-the-Match Ben Rogers was pulling the strings in midfield and his distribution created several efforts on goal. The University side took the lead when a lifted ball was clipped in past Nathan Burnell in goal. The score remained the same until half time and Mids could feel happy with their performance. The second half was where the game changed. A well taken goal put Exeter further in front and then a third pretty much finished the tie. There were plenty of chances for Mids to get back into the game and Steve Dowden was unlucky not to pull a goal back with a first time shot. With tired legs, Mids conceded two further goals and this only really flattered the Uni side. Mids go into their final game of the season this weekend away to Yeovil.
North Devon 3 Mid Somerset 1 (12th March 2011)
After a fantastic result the previous weekend, Mids should have been able to push on and gain a further three points against North Devon. A similar performance would have surely secured the win but that never materialised. With Mids missing a couple of players, they could only travel with 10 and a half players as Roger Knife only had one working knee! The game started with Mids almost immediately getting on the score sheet when a break by Steve Dowden into the D led to a chance. His pass was cut out well by the goalkeeper otherwise Ben Rogers would have walked the ball in. North Devon passed the ball well and they were the first on the score sheet. Mids created more chances but a miss placed pass in midfield was pounced on by the home side and they doubled their lead. It was a bizarre half. Mids pressurised only to see North Devon steal possession and score at the other end. This happened a third time to make the half time score 3-0. Mids felt aggrieved at their lack of goals but some great saves from the home keeper had restricted their strikers. The second half was a different picture with Mids showing some heart and again pressing. A short corner was won and it was coolly converted by Rogers with a drag flick into the top of the net. Despite further chances, Mids suffered without Knife up front due to his injury. Some great defensive work kept a clean sheet for Mids in the second half. Connar Edwards made his debut and put in a man-of-the- match performance. North Devon were awarded a penalty flick but it was superbly saved by Matt Reay in goal. Mids will need an improved performance this weekend against promotion pushing Exeter University, 13:00 at Wells Blue School.
Mid Somerset 2 Cambourne 0 (5th March 2011)
Mids struggle to avoid relegation didn't look to have much chance of improving before this game against third in the league Cambourne. Their previous meeting in Cornwall had ended with Mids at the wrong end of a 6-0 thrashing. And the game could have gone in a similar way looking at the first 10 minutes of the game. Cambourne pressurised from the whistle and, without some fine saves by Nathan Burnell in goal and great defensive work by the back four, the home side should have gone behind. Mids absorbed this pressure and began to put some moves together themselves. It was man of the match Steve Dowden who opened the scoring when, a Cambourne attack broke down. A ball out wide found Roger Knife who played a first time cross into Dowden. He turned the defender and powered a shot into the top corner. Cambourne were shocked and it got worse five minutes later when a short corner fell to Christian Oliver. He thrashed a ball past the keeper the double Mids lead. The second half was going to be hard but Mids were up to it. If anything, they were the better side and instead of trying to protect their lead, they created just as many chances as their guests. It seemed as if Cambourne were more suited at playing rugby as they managed to put four shots straight over the bar. Mids held on until the end with a great team performance and took a well-earned three points. Away to North Devon this weekend.
Tavistock 2 Mid Somerset 2 (26th February 2011)
Mids travelled to Tavistock with one objective, to win. This unfortunately wasn't quite achieved despite a good performance and leaves Mids relying on other teams results to stay out of relegation. An early bout of pressure gave Mids some good first opportunities but it was the home side that struck first with a breakaway goal. Mids fought back and it wasn't long before Christian Oliver latched on to a ball in the Tavistock area and swept home. Ben Rogers then gave Mids the lead with a well taken goal. Unfortunately, the lead lasted only a couple of minutes when a shot from a Tavistock player found the corner past an unsighted Nathan Burnell in goal. Burnell was one of five players to share the man of the match award along with Rogers, Steve Tinnion, Dave Holmes, and debutant Alex Mitchell. The team had a great second half but they will rue missed chances that should have sealed the win. Firstly, Oliver missed a good chance, which earned him clown of the game, and then in the dying minutes Roger Knife couldn't quite guide the ball home.
Mid Somerset 3 Plymouth Uni 1 (19th February 2011)
After three weeks on the bounce where the score line had been 5-3, Mids were hoping for at least a win against bottom of the table Plymouth Uni. The game began well and Mids produced some fantastic passing moves and were unlucky not to take the lead. In fact it was the University side that took the lead with a penalty flick. A goal bound shot apparently hit Tom Grove on the shoulder and the flick was awarded. Mids didn't let this affect the way they played and they continued to pass and move. Dave Holmes again received the man of the match award for his performance in defence and it was his run that set up the equaliser. Holmes laid the ball off to Roger Knife who fired home. Mids knew they should have taken more from the half and their second half performance did show more desire. Nathan Burnell made some fine saves to keep the Plymouth strikers at bay and it was Matt Pope who stepped up to put Mids in front. Plymouth had a goal disallowed and Ben Rogers made certain of the result with a fine individual goal. A well-deserved victory will help Mids climb the table.
Penzance 5 Mid Somerset 3 (12th February 2011)
Penzance is a long way to travel to get nothing from a game. This unfortunately is what happened to Mids last weekend. Mids had taken a strong side down to Cornwall and this was an important game for both teams as the winner would move away from the relegation zone. Mids started well and it wasn't long before Will Mandil got on the end of a useful pass but his shot was well saved. From the resulting play, Penzance broke away and to the surprise of Mids, took the lead. Mids again put pressure on the home team’s defence but in similar circumstances, Penzance doubled their lead. This dented the Mids player’s confidence and it wasn't improved by a misplaced pass by the Mids defence which let Penzance in on goal. Some slick passing cut through the defence and Mids found themselves three down. Matt Pope restored some first half pride with a well taken goal but Penzance regained their three goal lead to rub salt into the wounds for Mids at half time. The second half was an improvement. Man-of-the-Match Dave Holmes kept the Penzance attackers at bay and the Mids midfield improved. A short corner was dispatched by Roger Knife but Mids couldn't capitalise. Penzance scored their fifth within two minutes and then Mids were reduced to 10 players when they lost a player to the sin bin. Mids held on and despite Christian Oliver scoring with 5 minutes to go they couldn't find the extra goals for a draw.
Mid Somerset 3 Exeter Uni 5 (5th February 2011)
Mids always had a tough game on their hands playing the team at the top of the table. The teams’ previous meeting ended in a narrow victory for the Uni side. Unlike in their previous game, Mids started the game at a great pace and put the Exeter defence under immediate pressure. They couldn't quite capitalise and against the run of play, Exeter broke away and scored. Mids continued to press but couldn't equalise with a couple of one-on-ones going the way of the goalkeeper. Exeter extended their lead and went three goals up shortly afterwards. Mids didn't let their heads drop and a great goal from Ben Rogers brought them back into the game. He received the ball in the D and from an acute angle, fired the ball into the roof of the net. Half time came went and Mids efforts never waned. Despite again conceding twice more and being 5-1 down, Mids continued to press and had the Exeter team on the back foot for the rest of the half. Exeter went down to 10 men with a sin bin and Mids took advantage. Steve Tinnion scored the first of his brace when a slipped pass was only stopped by the defence and it fell to Tinnion. He scooped the ball past the keeper. His second was created by Captain Christian Oliver whose quick pass from a free hit found Rogers in the D. His shot was parried but only into the path of Tinnion to sweep home. A couple of chances were missed in the final minutes but Mids can take some real positives from the way they played. A long trip to Penzance this weekend for Mids and it’s a must win game.
Plymouth Marjon 3 Mid Somerset 5 (29th January 2011)
Mids made the trip to Plymouth and a win was again required to keep Mids away from the drop zone and that they did but it wasn't plain sailing. The previous encounter saw a narrow win for Mids and it looked as if Marjons were trying to erase this with their first half performance. A mistake from Andy Rogers in defence let an opposition player ghost into the D. His shot was deflected past Nathan Burnell in goal to give the home side the lead. Mids hadn't quite got into the game and it was the home side who extended their lead to make it 2-0. This angered Mids but they were able to channel this aggression to produce a goal. Ben Rogers took the ball at the top of the D and from his central position hit a reverse strike into the corner. Despite their possession, Mids again found themselves two goals down when Marjon scored. Just before half time, Ben Rogers turned provider when his cross was diverted in by Roger Knife. Despite the score line, the goal deficit was just what Mids needed. They came out firing in the second half and a two minute spell turned the game in Mids favour. Ben Rogers powered into the D and reminiscent of his goal in the previous game, he hit a half volley past the keeper. Next it was Will Mandil's turn and a quick break left him in on goal. He again produced one of his trademark flicks over the keeper for Mids to take the lead. Marjon heads dropped and Andy Rogers increased the misery and made up for his earlier mistake by dispatching a short corner. Man of the Match Nathan Burnell produced some fantastic saves to keep the score line the same and help Mids secure a second win on the bounce. A stern test faces Mids this week when they play top of the league Exeter Uni.
Mid Somerset 4 PGSOB 1 (22nd January 2011)
Mids found themselves too close to the foot of the table for comfort so this was a must win game. The Plymouth based team were one place above them in the league so the win would mean Mids would leapfrog them and move closer to safety. The game started at a frantic pace with Mids stringing some great moves together. It wasn't long before the deadlock was broken when Will Mandil pounced. The ball was worked well down the left and Will came off the right wing to go past the keeper with his first touch and then reverse flick the ball into the net. The second goal had similar beginnings but this time Man of the Match Ben Rogers found himself on the left side of the D and his reverse strike fizzed past the keeper. For the first 25 minutes of the half it was all Mids but PGSOB came back into the game in the last 10 minutes of the half. Their pressure paid off when a clean strike from the top of the D beat Nathan Burrell in goal. Half time contained a team talk that Mids already knew was coming. Play the second half as they'd started the first. That they did. It took longer to extend their lead this half and this time it was Andy Rogers who stepped up at a short corner and spanked the ball home. That goal pretty much ended the opposition chances of getting back into the game. The sign of good umpiring is to be unnoticeable and this was certainly the case for Jeremy Pickles and Alan Wilton who officiated this game. Their job was assisted by some good behaviour from Mids for a change. The game was finished in style when Ben Rogers produced a fine solo goal. He picked the ball up on the half way and beat a couple of defenders with pure pace. A lifted ball over the final defenders stick created the chance for a half volley which he dispatched past the on rushing keeper. A well-deserved victory needs to be followed up with another win against Plymouth Marjon this weekend.
Mid Somerset 0 Yeovil & Sherborne 2 (15th January 2011)
Mids first game for over a month was a scrappy affair and the long cold weather and Christmas break had certainly taken its toll. Without captain and new father Christian Oliver, Roger Knife took command of the team and lead by example working hard up front. Mids conceded both goals in the first half and trailed Yeovil 2-0 at half time. The second half Mids found their feet a little and managed to keep a clean sheet, but they had few chances to claw back the deficit. As all clubs Mids are never happy to lose a game but 2-0 against a Yeovil side who dropped out of the Premier divisions last year may not seem a bad result at the end of the season. This week Mids 1st XI are home again to Plymouth side PGSOB, 13.00 at Wells Blue School.
Exeter Uni 5 Mid Somerset 3 (27th November)
On a weekend where many fixtures were cancelled due to the snow and frozen pitches, Mids managed to make the trip down to Exeter to play the team second in the league. Mids had decided to try a new formation which meant it was never going to click into place straight away. Mids held on at times in the opening 10 minutes as the home team pressed for the opening goal. This came mid-way through the first half following a flowing move. The Mids defence did well to keep the score at one nil and their persistence paid off as Mids equalised soon after. They won a short corner which Roger Knife dispatched well into the corner. The cold didn't impact of the game as it became end to end stuff soon after this. Exeter again pressed and a cutting pass left an attacker free at the back post for an easy tap in. It wasn't long though before another short corner was conceded by the university side and this time, Andy Rogers stepped forward to equalise again. Half time saw the side’s level and Mids were still in the game. Man of the Match Steve Tinnion was pulling the strings in midfield and Mids were playing well. Exeter again took the lead after an unfortunate goal. The ball was initially saved but the follow up found its way through to the goal. Mids didn't give up and a clever one two at the top of the D unleashed Darren Wilson who burst into the area and forced the ball passed the keeper. It’s unclear if the ball had quite crossed the line before Knife made sure but Wilson deserved it for his hard work. With 10 minutes to go, Exeter were given a penalty flick. This gave them the lead and they increased this just before the end of the game after a pass was cut out and the attacker easily shot passed Matt Reay in goal. Despite the defeat, some real positives can be taken from the performance and it won't be long before the wins return to Mids.
Mid Somerset 2 North Devon 3 (20th November)
Mids were undone at home last weekend in a game they deserved more from. The game began well for the home side with drills from training being utilised. They moved the ball well and it wasn't long before the chances came. A drilled ball from Steve Tinnion was narrowly missed at the far post by Darren Wilson. North Devon then opened the scoring with a short corner. Matt Reay in goal was unlucky not to get anything to it. Mids bucked up their ideas with this and drew level with a great goal. Made by Man of the Match Ben Rogers, who drove into the D and hammered a shot at the far post. The ball was about waist height as it approached Matt Pope but he clipped it in past the keeper to equalise. Mids grew in confidence and were soon ahead. Rogers again this time with an individual goal taken following a drifting run into the D. A possible turning point came just before the break when North Devon drew level. A quick move led to the ball crossed to an unmarked player who just guided the ball in. This wasn't the end to the half Mids needed and it meant the opposition were buoyed up coming into the second half. Without a substitute Mids suffered slightly with fatigue. Devon scored their third from a short corner. The initial save was spooned into the air and despite Andy Rogers attempt at stopping the ball on the line, the spin took the ball over the line. The second half performance didn't quite match up to the first and was made more difficult when Andy Rogers was given a yellow card and 10 minutes in the sin bin for a high stick. Mids tried but couldn't use their dominance in the final 10 minutes to gain the equaliser. A tricky away game this weekend away to Exeter Uni.
Camborne 6 Mid Somerset 0 (13th November)
Mids were well and truly brought back down to earth last weekend but the final score by no means told the full story. Mids made the long trip with a couple of regulars missing and an injury to Nathan Burnell in the Mids goal during the warm-up, didn't help. The umpires looked the part but their decisions altered the final result and frustrated the travelling team. Mids began well and put the home team under huge pressure. The pitch was slippery and bouncy and it wasn't long before the home team’s knowledge on the pitch started to tell. Camborne took the lead after Burnell did well to make an initial save. Mids continued to press and created a couple of chances. Out of the blue, the Camborne goal keeper was sin binned for using foul language. This led to an outfield player stepping in until half time. Mids couldn't take advantage of this and instead it was Camborne who doubled their led. An injury to Andy Rogers meant he was moved up front for the remainder of the half. With Mids facing a second half with an injured keeper and two further ailments, the result was unsurprising. Despite a few short corners being won for Mids, Camborne extended their lead. Their clinical finishing meant they added four second half goals. Mids did play 10 minutes with only 10 players after Jo Burnell was carded for an outburst. Mids will hope to return to winning ways this weekend at home to North Devon.
Mid Somerset 2 Tavistock 1 (6th November)
Mids won for the third time in a row with a spirited and determined performance. Tavistock were above Mids in the league so the game was always going to be a tough test. Mids gave a debut to young Will Mandil and he paid them back with a Man of the Match performance. Mids began strongly and won numerous short corners in the first half. None of them quite managed to get past a useful opposition goal keeper, who managed to keep a clean sheet until 5 minutes before half time. Mandil was brought on to the wing and his introduction led to the first goal. Mids pressurised and won the ball in midfield and break down the wing saw Ben Rogers drive to the bye line. His cross was collected by Mandil on the top of the D and with one touch to control, he then calmly lifted the ball over the on rushing keeper. A great opening goal. Mids held strong till the break and came out for the second half as if they hadn't stopped. The opposition struggled to find their feet and were awarded a couple of green cards for poor challenges. Mids double their lead when Christian Oliver drove into the D and crossed for Darren Wilson to sweep in from close range. Tavistock had a few chances of their own and the home defence kept them out until a minute before full time when a tame shot was saved by Burnell in goal but the rebound managed to find its way over the line. It didn't matter as the final whistle went just after the restart. Mids take the long trip to Camborne this weekend and will hope to continue their winning run.
Plymouth Uni 2 Mid Somerset 3 (30th October)
Mids were unable to maintain the squad numbers that had had in previous weeks and made the long trip to Plymouth with the bare 11. Not only were that but with the onset of a serious case of man flu, 3 men struggling to walk. The game began with Mids all over the home team. All the pressure in the world though wasn't converted into goals and numerous chances were either missed or the pass was misplaced. In typical fashion, Mids managed to concede a goal from a short corner. Again Mids flooded the opposition area but couldn't find the equaliser. The home team had a good crowd watching but the umpire had to confiscate a mega phone after it began to disrupt the game. Nathan Burnell made some fine saves during a five minute spell where the home team kept possession well and could have easier extended our lead. It seemed Mids are destined to go into half time behind and this week was no change. The team talk aimed to drum up some enthusiasm and passion and it seemed to have worked. Within a minute of the restart, Mids equalised when Ben Rogers took the ball down the wing and drove to the bye line. His cross was cleverly tucked in past the keeper by Joe Burnell. This stoked the fires in the Mids bellies and they again pressed. One of the only breaks the Uni side had in the second half, led to them again taking the lead though. Their striker managed to totally miss the ball whilst taking his shot. This managed to confuse Burnell in goal and the ball slipped past him into the goal. Mids had to pull themselves together again and Man-of-the-Match Andy Rogers decided to take it upon himself to do so. Whether he really was injured or not, Rogers suggested playing up front. It wasn't long before he justified this decision by diverting the ball in after a pinpoint pass from Steve Tinnion. With the equaliser in the bag, it was all Mids. With 10 minutes to go, Rogers Snr got his second brace for the second week running when he converted a text book short corner. The Mids defence held up well and a second victory in a row was well deserved.
Next week, Mids face Tavistock at home with a 13:00 start at Wells Blue School. Could they make it three in a row?
Mid Somerset 5 Penzance 4 (23rd October 2010)
Mids found themselves third from bottom after a couple of disappointing results. Penzance were above them in the league but due to some odd results so far this season, it was difficult to gauge the type of opposition that would arrive. Mids had a couple of changes but also some subs, which was nice. The game started at a quick pace but it was the away side who took the lead. Mids weren't quite clicking together and it wasn't long until Penzance had doubled their lead with a similarly taken goal. Mids woke up after this and the new partnership of Matt Pope and Darren Wilson up front created some chances. One led to a short corner that was clinically despatched by Andy Rogers. The game was back on. Matt pope began to show why he received the Man of the Match award with his first of the day. A well worked move down the right led to Pope receiving the ball with his back to goal. He twisted and hit a reserve shot past the keeper. Just before half time, Penzance restored their lead against the run of play. 3-2 down at half time but Mids knew they could win the game. They started the second half with that belief in mind and it wasn't long before they equalised. Pope was on hand to end a flowing move that could have come straight from the text books. Mids were camped in the Cornish half and kept the defence under huge amounts of pressure. In typical fashion though, Mids let their concentration slip and they paid the price by conceding again. This was the last time Mids would be behind. A short corner was awarded to Mids and Rogers stepped up again to hammer the ball home. All Mids needed was a winner and it came with 10 minutes to go. Pope managed to draw the keeper out to the each of the D and laid the ball off to Dan Durston. His strong pass was deftly diverted into the roof of the net by the returning captain, Christian Oliver. A well deserved win for Mids who face a trip to Plymouth this weekend and will hope that this result is the start of a winning run.
Exeter Uni 1 Mid Somerset 0 16th October 2010
Mids travelled to Exeter with their sights set on matching their previous weeks winning performance. With a few players missing and facing a strong university side, this was always going to be a tough task. Matt Reay made his first appearance in goal for the first team this season and a string of fine saves throughout gave him a share in the Man of the Match award. Captain for the day Roger Knife took a share for his tenacious play up front and Tom Grove claimed the final share with a strong defensive display. Mids created chances and won a couple of short corners which were narrowly missed. Both sides struggled with discipline and for the second time this season, Ben Rogers received a yellow card for a poor challenge. The home side had their fair share of sin bins too and meant at times, the match was played with 10 a side. The scoring break through came when a short corner was awarded to the Uni side. Reay could do nothing to stop a well dispatched drag flick going into the top corner of his goal. Mids battled hard but couldn't find the equaliser they truly deserved. A tough run so far for Mids will hopefully end with a home game this weekend
Mid Somerset 2 Plymouth Marjon 1 9th October 2010
Mids recorded their first win of the season with a well deserved win against their Plymouth opposition. A great training session set the team up for the weekend after previous games had disappointed. Due to illness, Mids only had 11 and Rosie Palmer gratefully stepped in to umpire at the last minute. Mids started at a frantic pace and kept possession well compared with previous weeks. The ball seemed to stick to the Mids players sticks. Chances were created but against the run of play, Plymouth won a controversial short corner. Mids defended well but in the melee, the ball hit a Mids foot and Plymouth were given a penalty flick. Nathan Burnell's valiant effort was close but the away side took the lead. Mids kept on the pressure and were unlucky not to equalise when Dan Durston found himself in front of goal but couldn't quite convert his effort. The second half saw Mids improve again. All over the pitch, Mids pressurised their opposition and it paid dividends. Man of the Match Ben Rogers worked well on the right and his strong pinpoint cross to Matt Pope saw Mids deservedly level with a great first time shot. The rest of the half was all Mids. Every Plymouth attack was snuffed out and chance after chance came to the home team. One such chance was slipped to Captain Christian Oliver who was filling in up front. He took his chance to put Mids in front. Mids never looked like giving their lead up and the defence didn't falter. All in all, Mids deserved their 3 points and can use this result as a spring board to start their season. Mids face Exeter Uni this weekend and will hope to continue their revitalised form.
PGSOB 4 Mid Somerset 2 (2nd October 2010)
Mids made the long trip to Plymouth to play their first away game of the season. After a good training session on Thursday evening, Mids felt they should improve on their narrow loss the previous week. This turned out not to be the case. The start of the game saw the home side move the ball well and put the Mids defence under pressure. Mids weren't quite clicking and it showed when a ball across the D from Roger Knife left Dan Durston at the far post. He couldn't quite get his feet round and put the ball wide. PGSOB managed to win a short corner and they coolly scored in the corner. This happened twice more in the first half with Mids struggling to play as a team and PGSOB capitalising by putting two further short corners in. A frustrating first half also saw Matt Pope harshly shown a yellow card and meant he spent 15 minutes on the touch line. Mids created very little chances and a stern talking to at the break hoped to turn the performance around. The half started better and a good period for Mids almost saw a goal but against the run of play, PGSOB scored a fourth. Mids heads dropped but it wasn't long before Ben Rogers restored some hope. A bouncing ball into the D from Tom Dunkley was hammered home by Rogers for his first goal of the season. With 5 to go, Mids broke away and Knife rounded to keeper to reduce the gap to two goals. Man-of-the-Match Andy Rogers, kept the home teams attackers at bay and was able to launch attacks for Mids. One such move should have ended with another goal but an open goal was missed by an un-named player! Further goals didn't materialise and Mids returned from Plymouth with only injuries. Mids will hope to get their first points on the board at home to Plymouth Marjons, 13:00 at Wells Blue School this Saturday. Take a look at our website for details of training and joining the club www.midsomersethockeyclub.co.uk
Mids began their league campaign with a tough test against a useful side from Devon. For the away team, it was the last game for a few of their players before uni and for Mids it meant facing the strongest possible team. Mids started slowly and Dart took advantage of this. They over whelmed Mids in midfield and despite some great defensive play, especially from Man-of-the-Match Tom Grove, Dart opened the scoring, nutmegging Nathan Burnell in goal. They doubled their lead after a mistake in the Mids midfield. This woke Mids and they started to put some moves together. One of these moves set up a short corner. Andy Rogers flick beat the keeper but was stopped on the line by a defending foot. Penalty flick to Mids which captain Christian Oliver stepped up and dispatched to make it 1-2 at the break. The second half started better for Mids but Dart extended their lead with a breakaway goal. The build-up was debatable but the goal stood. Mids re-grouped and began to improve. Pressure on the Dart goal created chances and with a great ball into D by Steve Dowden, Matt Pope cleverly deflected the ball passed the keeper. The final 5 minutes saw Mids throw everything at Dart but they couldn't get the ball over the line. A tough opener but some things to work on at training on Thursday evening before their away trip to Plymouth this weekend.
Shepton Mallet 1 Mid Somerset 2 (18th September 2010)
Mids ended their pre-season friendly campaign with a well-deserved win over local rivals Shepton Mallet. The Wells based side usually seem to end up at the wrong end of this result in these fixtures but this game bucked the trend. Mids only had the bare eleven and a couple of new players to integrate but they managed this well. The game began with chances at both ends and Mids were making the types of chances they promised in previous weeks but this time they were working. Mids won short corners and created some great moves following good passing and possession. The home side were unlucky to lose a couple of players to nasty injuries and had to play for 10 minutes with only 10. Mids opened the scoring through Ben Rogers who sweetly took his chance from a tight angle. Rogers ended a great passing move where Steve Tinnion, returning to the club after a couple of years away, played the ball to Roger Knife who squared for Rogers. Shepton had chances themselves but their short corners were off target. The half ended well for Mids and they continued in the second half. The hot weather took its toll on both teams and fatigue was beginning to tell. A well worked short corner saw captain Christian Oliver poorly tackled in the D and a penalty flick was awarded. Oliver stepped up and converted himself to extend the lead. Shepton scored with five minutes to go and put Mids under pressure but they held on with some good keep ball. The league starts proper this weekend with Mids home to Dart at 13:00 and training continues on Thursday nights. 6:30 for juniors, 7:30 for seniors.
Mid Somerset 2 Taunton Vale 2nd XI 4 (4th September 2010)
Mid Somerset started the 2010 season with a hard first fixture, against a well organised and skilful Taunton Vale side. Always competing, the Wells based side were disappointed to go in to half time 2 nil down. Mids reorganised the defence after half time and immediately went 3-0 down as a result of defensive error whilst settling down to the new formation. Following this Mids looked a far more balanced side and went on to keep a clean sheet for the remainder of the half. The home sides two goals both came from short corners one a quality drag flick from Andy Rogers and the other from Joe Stanbridge.By no means a polished performance from Mids but the pre-season training definitely shows an improving side. Training continues 19.30 Thursday night at the Blue school Wells, followed by the seasons second fixture against Old Bristolians on Saturday.
Match Reports 09/10:
Torbay 2 Mid Somerset 6 (20th March 2010)
The day had arrived for the last game of the season and its fair to say a tear was shed by more than one of the players. After a trouncing by the league winners last week, Mids faced the team at the bottom of the table. Torbay were so rooted to the bottom they had blossomed. This was the first game of the season where all the Rogers men were playing in the same team and after their previous meeting had ended in an 11-1 victory for Mids, they expected an easy ride. That seemed to be the case when 30 seconds from the start of the game, Mids were one up. The home keeper had barely got to his goal when Simon Lord scored on his reverse. This proved to be a downfall for the rest of the first half as despite Lord adding to his tally, Torbay began to play and Mids sat back. The home side had nothing to lose and played like it. They scored to get back in the game and put the Mids defence under huge pressure for the rest of the half. Second team captain Tom Grove made his debut for the firsts in defence and played admirably. The problem for Mids was midfield who were beyond sixes and sevens and were more like twelve's and thirteen's. Things needed to change at half time but Mids persisted with their haphazard game in the second half. Torbay converted a short corner with a well taken drag flick but this seemed to wake Mids up. Great work down the wing from Matt Pope ended when he slipped the ball to Ben Rogers who swept in. It wasn't long until Pope was on the score board himself when a short corner for Mids was partially cleared to Rogers. He pushed the ball into the D and Pope got a great touch to it to lift the ball in. Torbay knew the game was lost and Mids pounced on their slackness. Lord completed his hat-trick and then with 5 minutes to go, made it four for the day and 35 for the season. He celebrated in typical style with his well known aeroplane display. Mids ended with 10 men when Rogers was sent to the sin bin for decent but this didn't hinder them. Mids have ended the season in fifth place in the league with some fantastic performances. Captain Christian Oliver would like to thank all the players that have played this season for the first team and the club. Mids will aim to improve next season and go for promotion.
Mid Somerset 1 Exeter Uni 5 (13th March 2010 Push Back 13:30)
The penultimate game of the season didn't go as planned for Mids and when you play the team on top of the league with players missing and only the bare eleven, the home side couldn't expect to come away with a win but they tried hard. Exeter came to Wells having already won the league and they seem to let complacency slip into their game as although they started the game well, their play in the final third seem to fall apart. This was in part due to some great defensive work by Mark Salvage, Dan Rogers and Dan Durston. Mids made chances at the other end but seemed to struggle in a similar way to the uni side. The game was being played in the middle of the pitch for the first 25 minutes until the opposition were very fortunate to take the lead. A ball into the D from midfield was mis-controlled by the Exeter attacker but due to this mistake, Nathan Burnell mis judged the roll of the ball and it crept over the line. The score remained the same until half time and Mids were happy with this knowing they were still in the game. The second half began well for Mids but the uni side doubled their lead when their forward broke through and nut megged Burnell between the sticks. Straight from the re-start though, Mids hit back when a quick ball through to Simon Lord was then cleverly laid off to Ben Rogers who clinically rifled a ball into the roof of the net. Despite this effort and further chances from a short corner, tiredness was beginning to tell. Exeter gained their two goal lead after a freak pass ricocheted straight into the path of the uni attackers. They ran in on goal and scored. The lead was again increased when a save from Burnell fell straight to another uni player who lifted the ball in. Mids continued to press and had a couple of chances but Exeter scored their final goal with five minutes remaining. Mids now face bottom of the league in their final game of the season this weekend.
Dart 0 Mid Somerset 4 (6th March 2010)
If you were watching the first half of this game you could have been mistaken in thinking it was last weekend. Mids put in an almost identical performance to that of the demolition of ISCA the previous weekend. The long trip to Totnes ended at a pitch which resembled a cross between sand paper and a mole skin suit. As with the previous weekend Mids pressed early on but it was the home team who created the first chances. Some good defensive play kept them at bay and it was the travelling team who opened the scoring. A move on the break saw Roger Knife ghost into the left of the D and slip a reverse pass across the box. It missed everyone apart from Callum Thorner who, following a one two with the post, forced the ball over the line. Mids kept the pressure on and this meant Dart made mistakes. Another break away following a great challenge by Ben Rogers led to captain Christian Oliver slipping a ball to Knife that cut out all the defenders. He lifted the ball passed the keeper from the top of the D. Knife then turned provider when he put a pin point pass through to Simon Lord who following a spin dispatch his first home. The fourth goal again fell to Lord after another perfect cross, this time from Oliver. On his reverse, Lord lifted the ball over the keeper. The half time team talk echoed that from this previous game and as in that game, Mids began the second half slowly. They let Dart back in and they created a couple of chances they should have converted. The Dart strikers were kept quiet by great defensive play and an inspired Nathan Burnell in goal. Even when Dart were awarded a penalty flick, Burnell made the save which saw him keep his first clean sheet. A great result confirms Mids position in the league and with only two games to go, Mids can now concentrate on getting as high in the league as possible. Home to top of the league Exeter Uni this weekend. Could the unthinkable occur? Find out next weekend.
Mid Somerset 5 - ISCA 1 (27th February 2010 Push Back 13:30)
After a haphazard performance in their previous game in Plymouth, Mids needed a good performance to cement their position in the league. The last couple of results had seen Mids lose ground on the teams at the top of the league but none of the teams below them had managed to take advantage. ISCA had won the teams previous meeting earlier in the season after Mids just couldn't put their numerous chances away, so there was some pay back needed. Mids started at a frantic pace and from the push back, Mids pressed the opposition D and won a couple of short corners. It wasn't long before this pressure told and Callum Thorner ended a great move to sweep the ball home. Two minutes later, and Simon Lord doubled the lead at his second attempt after the keeper had initially saved his first shot. The game was pretty much over 5 minutes later when Phil White found himself at an acute angle but still managed to smash the ball home. The ISCA players heads dropped and with only 20 minutes on the clock, Roger Knife powered a shot in to really rub it in. The rest of the half was relatively uneventful with ISCA breaking on a couple of occasions but Nathan Burnell was kept very quiet in the Mids goal with some good defensive play. Unfortunately all the good work done in the first half meant Mids let their standards drop in the second half. A few chances were made but the passing accuracy lowered and it was ISCA who broke the deadlock. A messy goal gave them some consolation but Mids finished the scoring when a slick move left Thorner with an open goal. He pushed his shot wide but luckily Lord was there to claim his brace. Lord had a chance to complete his hatrick but put his penalty flick just wide after ISCA had purposely kicked the ball in the D. Mids travel to play Dart this weekend with only three games of the season to go.
Plymouth Marjon 1 Mid Somerset 1 (20th February 2010 Push back 12:30)
Mids travelled to Plymouth on the back of their first loss since Christmas. Injuries and illness reduced the team to the bare 11 with a couple of players stepping into new positions. This seemed to tell from the start where the home side put Mids under great pressure. Mids couldn't get their game going and the passes just weren't going to the stick. Plymouth won a few short corners and some great defensive work from goalkeeper Nathan Burnell, Mark Salvage, Dan Durston and Andy Rogers kept everything out. Mids created some of their best chances with their ariel threat. Rogers put some useful balls over the heads of the defence and Simon Lord and Roger Knife benefited with some good runs. It wasn't until the second half that the deadlock was broken. Mids knew they needed to improve their communication but it was a poachers goal that opened the scoring. Some good work from Mids broke down in the opposition D but the clearance only ended up popping in front of Lord who half volleyed the ball into the net. Plymouth pressure kept coming and Mids couldn't increase their lead. The college based side equalised when a player found himself on top of the D and a quick shot caught Burnell off guard. Mids couldn't get the winner but a point is a point and they will hope to get back to winning ways at home to ISCA this weekend.
Mid Somerset 1 Cambourne 2 (13th February 2010 Push Back 13:30)
Exeter Uni 4 Mid Somerset 4 (6th February 2010 Push Back 12:00)
In answer to the question posed last week, yes Mids can extend their unbeaten run. Mids came away from Exeter not with a win but a well deserved point. Mids are just above Exeter on goal difference and a win for either side would create a useful gap. Mids travelled without a couple of regular players but had adequate replacements. Mids started positively and made two or three early inroads into the opposition D. As it has become accustomed, Mids went one nil down in about 10 minutes. Unlike previous weeks, Mids responded almost instantly when good work down the left from Roger Knife saw him lift a pass across the face of goal and into the path Callum Thorner who swept the ball home. The uni side again took the lead from a short corner. Mids didn't let their heads drop and Simon Lord continued his impressive form to score his first of the day with a nutmeg. Half time was unusual with Mids going into the break level. More was needed in the second half but it didn't go well. Exeter took the lead and then made it 4-2 after 15 minutes. Mids needed something special and it came in the form of Lord. A great quick move down the right saw Christian Oliver drill a ball into the D. Lord dinked the ball past the oncoming keeper for his second. Mids then won a short corner and Lord completed his hat-trick with a well struck shot. Mids don't like making it easy for themselves and some borderline decisions left the Wells based side down to 9 players at one point with two yellow cards but they dug in until they were returned to full strength for the final 5 minutes. Luck was also on their side when even after a couple of mistakes, Exeter couldn't capitalise. The result maintains Mids position above Exeter on goal difference. A tough home game next week against Camborne is next for Mids. Could it be a magnificent seven?
Mid Somerset 3 OPM 2 (30th January 2010 Push Back 13:30)
Who would have thought that the 30th January would become such a good day for Mid Somerset 1st team. On the back of four straight wins, Mids faced the team sitting on top of the league but who they had pushed all the way in their previous meeting. That had ended 2-2 with Mids deserving more and since then, OPM had risen to the top. The game was going to be tough but Mids believed in themselves. Both teams are physical in their style but Mids have added a good passing game to their repertoire. This showed from the whistle with Mids hustling the opposition all over the park and surprising them by creating some great chances. The final shot was just off target and against the run of play, OPM won a short corner. Nathan Burnell was starting his first game for the 1st team and was unlucky when the bobbling ball wasn't cleared and OPM pounced to take the lead. Mids piled on the pressure but couldn't convert anything before half time. The result mirrored that of their previous week’s game where Mids found themselves one nil down at the break. They needed a similar performance in the second half to that in their previous game but this didn't quite happen as planned. OPM scored again from a quick move but Mids knew they deserved something. The turning point came when an OPM defender received a blow to the head and was taken off with a nasty injury. Mids had a breather and after the restarting whistle, Mids turned on the style. Within a couple of minutes, Simon Lord began the comeback. He took the ball inside the D and dispatched a shot that beat the oncoming keeper. Two minutes later, Mids won a short corner and Lord struck a venomous shot into the corner that even two goalkeepers wouldn't have kept out. OPM were baffled. Every time they had the ball, a Mids player was on top of them and stole possession. Ben Rogers was beginning to pull the strings in midfield and after a great move, Phil White danced into the D and completed the 5 minute come back. Mids had blitzed the opposition and they had nothing in reply. Even when Dan Rogers was given the final 5 minutes in the sin bin, Mids dug in and saw out the game for a fantastic result. Can this run continue any further? We'll see this weekend when Mids take on Exeter Uni in their back yard.
East Devon 3 Mid Somerset 5 (23rd January 2010 Push Back 13:30)
Mids travelled to Exeter with three wins under their belts, the last two with a clean sheet. They faced a team in a similar mid table position to Mids but a couple of places below. Mids started well and had the majority of the possession throughout the first half. They created chance after chance but the final touch or shot was either missing or just wide. On a breakaway, the home side won a short corner and took a surprised lead. Their shot took four deflections off Mids players and found its way into the net. Despite all the possession and chances for Mids, the score remained at one nil until half time. Mids knew they deserved more from the half and they came out for the second fired up. Again the ball spent 75% of its time in the Devon half and after 10 minutes the goals arrived. Roger Knife scored following a swift move which saw him sweep the ball past the rooted goalkeeper. A matter of minutes later Knife scored from a short corner with a drilled strike. Knife completed his 10 minute hat-trick with a scorcher that Matt pope would have been proud of. Devon got a goal back but Simon Lord put the game beyond doubt when his shot from the top of the D, looped over the keeper after a deflection. The game wasn't over and to make amends for his uncharacteristic goal prowess, Knife got himself 10 minutes in the sin bin. A drilled shot/cross from Captain Christian Oliver saw Lord turn the ball in for his brace. East Devon clawed a goal back with the last move of the game from another short corner. A much deserved win and Mids face second in the table OPM this weekend. Mids are holding a 'Mouse Racing Night' at Henton Village hall on 20th February. Doors open at 7pm and bar available. Tickets available from Sarah Dowden 07900212565
Mid Somerset 4 – PGSOB ‘A’ 0 (16th January 2010 Push Back 13:30)
Everything seemed against Mids with their first game back in the league following Christmas. Their friendly game and all training had been cancelled due to the snow so for most of the players, this was the first time they had picked a stick up in over a month. The game began quickly with Mids trying a new formation. The Plymouth based opposition capitalised on this and put Mids under some pressure. The defence did well and kept out all attacks with Dan Rogers picking the ball from every attacker he faced. It took 15 minutes but Mids opened the scoring when they scored from a short corner. A well worked move ended with Simon Lord nicking a ball past the keeper. This gave the home side the confidence boost they needed and with the new formation working well, further chances were created. Lord doubled his tally before half time when he rounded the keeper after a pin point pass from Roger Knife. The lack of fitness was beginning to show and half time was a welcome pause in play. The second half began well and continued on from the end of the first. Mids created further chances but it wasn't until Knife pounced on a scrambled attempt in the D. The opposition struggled to break down a solid Mids defence and their only chance was put wide. Lord completed his hat-trick with ten minutes to go and the end of the game ended 4 - 0. That is Matt Reay second clean sheet of the season and Mids will aim to make it three away to east Devon this weekend.
Mid Somerset 1 Yeovil & Sherbourne 0 (12th December Push Back 13:30)
After the resounding win the previous weekend, Mids were looking to continue their form and go into the Christmas break with another win under their belts. This was a grudge match for Mids as they felt hard done by in the two teams’ previous meeting on the first day of the season where the Wells side had lost. Mids had the bare eleven due to Simon Lord being called out on a shout and were also trying out a new formation in midfield for this game and this made the first 10-15 minutes a bit nerve racking for the defence. Yeovil pressed hard and with players still getting used to the different positions, Mids were lucky to have the solid defence of Dan Rogers, Dan Durston and Mark Salvage. On the break Mids saw some encouraging signs with a couple of chances of their own. One such chance saw Roger Knife strike a bobbling ball in the opponent’s area only for Callum Thorner to stop the shot with the back of his knee. This briefly reduced Mids to nine men as the guilt ridden Knife needed to give himself a talking to on the side line. Thorner was able to return to the battle and with Mids returning to full strength they seem to galvanise. The midfield began to click and from a well worked passage of play on the right, the ball fell to Christian Oliver whose awkward control gave Knife the chance to amend for his earlier misfortune and he didn't let the opportunity pass him by. Mids went into half time one nil up and with some clarification on the new positions during the team talk, the second half performance improved again. Mids made further chances but couldn't put the game out of reach. Yeovil battled until the end and were unlucky not to score themselves when on a couple of occasions; their attackers kicked the ball with an open goal gapping. The last ten minutes saw the return of Lord who made an immediate impact and Mids were able to play the clock down until the final whistle. A nice end to the year for Mids who now have a month off and return with a friendly in Bristol on 9th January. Well done to all the players so far this season and Merry Christmas and a Happy New Year.
Mid Somerset 11 Torbay 1 (5th December Push Back 13:30)
Mids returned to winning ways in some style after a resounding thumping of the side near the bottom of the table. Torbay travelled with a slightly weakened side but Mids took no prisoners and used this to their advantage. The half started well for Mids with them spending the first ten minutes in the opponents half. Torbay struggled with the pace that Mids set but the home side couldn't quite convert their superior advantage. It wasn't until 20 minutes in when Mids opened the scoring with Captain Christian Oliver wrong footing the keeper after a pass from the wing. They doubled the league through Simon Lord with his first of the day. The end of the half saw Mids reduced to 10 men but the score remained the same until half time. Despite their dominance, Mids had plenty of room to improve. This they did in the second half which again started at pace. Lord continued to add to his seasons tally with his second and Matt Pope scored his first. With nine goals in the second half, it was difficult to remember the order of the scorers. Goals of note included Ben Rogers cheekily playing the ball through his legs with his back to goal, and Phil Whites well converted penalty flick. Pope and Lord ended the game with 4 each and this saw Mids achieve their best result of the season. Mids will hope to enter the Christmas break with a win against Yeovil this weekend. With a controversial result in Yeovil on the first game of the season, Mids have a score to settle.
Exeter Uni 5 Mid Somerset 0 (28th November Push Back 12:00)
Mids travelled to Exeter to face the league leaders with several players missing and no substitutes. It didn't look promising. The early push back and an imminent arrival left Mids four players short and meant players stepping up from the second team. Despite the score, none of them looked out of place in a side that at times played some good hockey. Early chances were made but weren't converted with the away team strikers coming close on a couple of occasions. Exeter opened the scoring with a breakaway following a missed chance by Mids. They doubled that lead soon after again from a break away. This became a routine when they scored again before half time. The difference between the teams seemed to be finishing. In between goals mids put some good moves together but seemed to choose the wrong day to face this Exeter defence. The second half began well and again Mids made chances. They kept Exeter at bay for 25 minutes before the home side put the game beyond any doubt. The 5th goal was a disappointing as it created a score line that didn't represent the story of the game. Mids will hope to end this run of bad results with a home game against Torbay on Saturday, KO at 13.30.
Mid Somerset 1 Dart 4 (21st November Push Back 13:30)
This really was a game of two halves with Mid Somerset coming off second best for the second week in a row. Dart travelled up from Exeter and with the threat of torrential down pours, almost had to turn around again but luckily the game went ahead. Mids began the strongest passing the ball slickly in midfield and a couple of early chances were made for the new partnership up front of Simon Lord and Christian Oliver. One chance saw Lord just miss wide after a flowing move. Matt Reay in goal was doing his bit at the other end with an inventive save with his helmet. The defence also performed magnificently with Mark Salvage, Dan Rogers and Dan Durston intercepting passes and tackling well. Then the break came with a quick pass from Rob Newman up to Lord who battled with a Dart defender into the box and slipped the ball under the oncoming keeper. Mids deserved the lead and could have doubled it but couldn't pass the visiting keeper. Disappointingly Dart scored before half time to go into the break level. Mids began to struggle in the second half and Dart seemed to have been encouraged by their goal. Chances went begging for Mids but Dart pounced on all they had. They took the lead after a mix up in the Mids D and then made it 3-1 after a confusing decision in the Dart half left Mids exposed at the back. Dart finished their scoring with 5 minutes to go. Frustrating times at Mids will hope to be turned around this weekend away to Exeter Uni.
ISCA.3 Mid Somerset 2 (14th November Push Back 15:00)
Mids travelled to Exeter for their next league fixture following a fantastic result the previous weekend. A win would move them up the table but it wasn't to be. Mids started well and despite a few mistakes, kept the ball well. Several chances were created but Mids were unable to utilise their chances. Short corners also didn't go well and Mids struggled to find any form in front of goal. ISCA made a couple of chances and finally broke the deadlock with a strike that deceived Matt Reay in goal. Mids kept the home side at bay until half time where a few harsh words were needed. Mids knew they had the quality to get something from the game but their lack of a sub was proving an issue. Mids began the second half well pressurising ISCA all over the pitch. Further chances were made but it took some wizardry from Rob Newman to find the equaliser. Newman danced into the area and laid the ball off to Simon Lord who tucked the ball away. This revitalised Mids and led to an improvement in their performance. Frustratingly nothing was going for the strikers. ISCA scored on one of their breaks and then made it 3-1 with 10 minutes to go. From the re-start the Newman and Lord connection worked again to take it back to a one goal difference. Mids just couldn't find the equaliser and will be disappointed to come away with nothing from the game. Next week a home game against Dart at 13.30.
Mid Somerset 7 Plymouth Marjon 1 (7th November Push Back 13:30)
Mids were disappointed not to get something out of their previous game but all that was forgotten after this performance against the Plymouth side. Mids were hungry from the start and desperate to stop their run of two defeats. From the whistle Mids attacked the ball and it wasn't long until they won a short corner. Training had concentrated on shorts and this showed with a slick move finished off by Simon Lord. The lead was doubled soon after when Roger Knife scored on the rebound. Matt Pope made it 3-0 with a straight strike in the D. Mids were passing really well and what would have been wasted chances previously, were being dispatched for fun. Lord scored his second and then completed his hat-trick with a cheeky wrong footing of the opposition keeper. Pope completed his brace before half time which saw Mids go into the break 6-0 up. The second half was a different story where Mids let their concentration slip and began to try too hard. Passing wasn't going to stick and this let Marjons back into the game. The mids defence had a fantastic game and kept the opposition at bay but one break saw them claw a goal back and disappoint Matt Reay in goal who is after his first clean sheet. Mids got back on the wagon and Lord scored his 4th and Mids final goal with a well worked move from end to end. Mids will hope to take this form into next weekend’s game.
Cambourne 2 Mid Somerset 1 (31st October 2009 Push Back 13:30)
Mids travelled all the way down to Camborne in Cornwall for a league game against the college of mining. The opposition were flying high in the league and mids were coming from a defeat but the result doesn't show the real game. The trip took 3 hours but mids had plenty of time to warm up before the game. The home side started strongly with some slick moves that you expect from a college side. It wasn't long before they took the lead. A quick passing move saw the ball passed around Matt Reay in goal and into the net. Cambourne continued with their style of play and it led to several chances but they were unable to capitalise. Either Reay made a good save or the strikers missed open goals but the score remained one nil until half time. The second half began well for Mids but after 10 minutes a break from Cambourne led to them being awarded a short corner. They scored to double their lead but this seemed to gel the Wells based side. From that moment Mids pressurised every ball. The home side were stunned and Mids pressed with several probing moves. One of these ended with a ball from Steve Dowden being cleverly turned in by Matt Pope on his reverse. The final 10 minutes was end to end with the Mids defence cutting every Cambourne move apart and setting up attacking plays for Mids. Stupidity from Christian Oliver saw him spend time in the sin bin following a poor decision and this didn't help. A couple of chances fell to Mids but they didn't take them. Mids dissevered something and will take plenty of positives into next weekend’s game at home to Plymouth at 13.30.
Mid Somerset 0 Exeter Uni 4 (24th October 2009 Push Back 13:30)
Mids played the first of two Exeter Uni teams in their league and after drawing at the league leaders last week, Mids were confident. Unfortunately Mids didn't quite click and due to some absences changes were made to the team. Mids did put some good chances together but the final pass was lacking and Mids couldn't test the opposition keeper. The away side scored their first goal just before half time but the home side still felt confident for the second half. It all started well but Exeter extended their lead after 10 minutes and any chance of a result was lost when they scored a third. Mids did force some short corners from their opposition but couldn't capitalise. A few chances hit the post but unfortunately didn't cross the line. Exeter scored their final goal before the end and Mids suffered their first home defeat. A tough training session is called for on Thursday night before the long trip to Camborne for the next league game.
O.P.M 2. Mid Somerset 2 (17th October 2009 Push Back 13:30)
A frustrating game saw Mids draw against the early league leaders from Plymouth. The home side had all the early pressure and forced Matt Reay in goal into some good saves. Despite all the pressure OPM couldn't breech the Mids goal and it was the Wells based side who took the lead with a great break. A through ball from Darren Wilson was flicked past the defender by Simon Lord. He then slipped the ball under the keeper and found Roger Knife on the line who forced the ball in. The home side equalised before half time but Mids could have taken the lead again if it wasn't for the home keeper. Some questionable decisions led to Mids missing out on a couple of chances and also saw captain Christian Oliver receive a yellow card. Mids knew they deserved something from the game and the second half saw a much better performance. Mids were all over the opposition and the pressure told with a goal from Matt Pope. Further goals should have been taken but OPM were given a short corner and following a great save by Reay they pounced on the ball and equalised again. Mids had the final chance of the game but couldn't convert their short corner. A passionate performance was disrupted by some odd decisions but Mids aim to continue their current form into next week’s game at home to Exeter University. ‘Man-of-the-Match' before Darren Wilson
Mid Somerset 3 - East Devon 2 (10th October 2009 Push Back 13:30)
Mids played their first home game of the season against a useful East Devon side. The opposition travelled with the bare eleven players and they paid the price within the first 5 minutes when their captain went off injured. Mids used this to their advantage and put the away side under great pressure. But it was the Devon side who took the surprise lead with a short corner. Matt Reay in goal made a great attempt but the power of
Shot took it into the net. Mids regrouped and it wasn't long before they were level. A break away by Roger Knife where he took the ball around the keeper and squared to Simon Lord who tapped in. Mids pressure didn't let up and before half time Lord scored his second with a powerful shot into the side net from an angle. Mids started the second half well but despite increasing their lead through Matt Pope with a bobbling nutmeg, East Devon got a goal back on the break. Mids made it difficult for themselves but held on for a 3-2 win. A bit of indiscipline spoiled the end of the game but Mids recorded their second win. Next week Mids play OPM (Plymouth) away. Training continues on Thursday nights, 7.00pm.
PGSOB 1 - Mid Somerset 7 (3rd October 2009 Push Back 14:00)
Mid Somerset bounced back from their opening day loss with an impressive performance at PGSOB, Plymouth. In a complete change of fortune Mids scored in the opening 30 seconds of the game through Ben Rogers and never looked back. Further goals from Steve Dowden, and Dan Rogers saw Mids leading 3-1 at half time and looking much the better team. PGSOB were not helped when losing their keeper to an unfortunate and painful injury. The second half started in much the same way as the first half finished with Mids controlling play and moving the ball well. It was much against the run of play when PGSOB were awarded a penalty stroke. The ever improving Mids keeper Matt Reay proved his worth with a fine save to deny PGSOB a second goal. From this moment on Mids applied constant pressure resulting in four more goals, a second from Ben Rogers the other scorers being Roger Knife, Callum Thorner, and Phil White.
Senior training continues 19.00 Thursdays at Wells Blue School. The search for additional goal keepers continues and any wishing to try out should attend on a Thursday or contact a member of the club, details can be found on the clubs website, www.midsomersethockeyclub.com. This Saturday at 13.30 sees Mid Somerset home to East Devon in South Division 2.
Yeovil & Sherbourne 'A' 7 Mid Somerset 3 (26th September 2009 Push Back 14:30)
Mids travelled to Sherbourne for their first league of the season. The rumour was that the home side were struggling for players but this seemed to be a myth especially when an ex England and an ex German international turned out for them. Within the first minute, mids were one down after a mix up from the push back. Heads dropped and further mistakes let Yeovil score a further 4 goals in the first half. Mids didn't play well as a team and some stern words were said during half time team talk. The second half began a lot better and mids began passing the ball. After 5 minutes, mids got the advantage they needed when a Yeovil player was sent off for a bad challenge. Mids used this and scored through Simon lord after a good move. Another great break saw Callum Thorner score to make the game 5-2. Yeovil scored but mids got another back with Darren Wilson slipping the ball in at the near post. Despite Yeovil scoring again, mids won the second half 3-2 and can take some positives from their performance. Next game is away in Plymouth. Training continues on Thursday night 6.30 for juniors, 7.30 for seniors.
Mid Somerset 2 Shepton Mallet 4 (12th September 2009 Push Back 13:30)
Mid Somerset's first pre-season friendly game was against local rivals Shepton Mallet. Their previous meeting occurred over the summer in the Bristol summer league which saw Shepton take the honours and this more recent meeting, the result went the same way. The game did show some promising signs for the Wells based team. Suffering from the loss of several first team players, Mids managed to field 12 players including a couple of players stepping up to the first team. Mids went two goals up with goals from Matt Pope and Dave Harris. Some good play throughout the first half showed the benefit of beginning pre-season training earlier and the contribution of Andy Rogers and Clive Rockell as coaches. Unfortunately, Shepton scored and Mids players heads dropped slightly. During the second half, Mids players began to tire and Shepton were able to score a further 3 goals. There were some good displays from Matt Pope and Roger Knife and also the return to the team of Dan Durston.
Training has started and Mids are keen to get encourage any new players to join the club. Training is at 19:00 on Thursday nights for the men's and ladies teams, with junior training starting at 18:00. Mids are particularly looking for goalkeepers or anyone wanting to give it a go. Come along and join us.
Match Reports 08-09:
Saturday 6th December 2008
Mid Somerset 2 Bridgwater 1
This match is the closest Mids have to a local derby in their league and with Bridgwater flying high in second place, this game was going to be tough. Mids had Pete Ball and Steve Dowden back and so had a substitute for a change. As expected, the game began frantically from the whistle. Bridgwater had a couple of decent players who looked like they could take control of the game if they were allowed the chance but the midfield combination of Christian Oliver, Ball and Phil White never let them settle. They harried and pressured everyone who stepped onto their patch and this disrupted the away sides rhythm. Quick breaks by Mids further shocked the table toppers and it was Mids that took the surprising lead. Good passing led to Ben rogers taking the ball to the bye line. He put a pin point cross into Dowden on the far post who swept the ball in. Half time couldn't come quickly enough for both teams. Several nasty challenges from Bridgwater left captain roger Knife riled and half time was spent putting his dummies back in his pram. Bridgwater started the second half better and made a few chances which were dealt with by Ross Burton. The defence bossed the Bridgwater attackers but the only time they were vulnerable was from short corners. Bridgwater finally got one right and a well worked move led to their equaliser. Mids didn't lose faith and maintained their relentless pressure. Two cynical challenges from the Bridgwater playmaker saw him given 10 minutes in the sin bin. Within a couple of minutes, Andy Rogers was sent off harshly for a challenge on a Bridgwater forward to even the sides up. Mids deservedly took the lead when Matt Pope set up Callum Allen who squeezed the ball over the line. The final few minutes were very tense with lively tackles all over the pitch and both teams trying to score. The final whistle led to jubilant scenes from the home fans and Mids had deserved it.
Saturday 29th November 2008
East Devon 'A' 2 Mid Somerset 4
Following a couple of poor performances, Mids travelled to East Devon, where they haven't won in a couple of seasons. Also with only the bare eleven players and a few first team players missing, it didn't look good. But for a change Mids actually seemed to want to win. The game was end to end from the start. Both teams kept up the frantic pace and Mids shocked the home team with several breaks which led to some good chances. It was one of the debutants brought into the team who opened the scoring for Mids. Ben Rogers, finished off a great passing move to score in the corner. The new midfield partnership of Phil White, Christian Oliver and Roger Knife were working well and creating some great passages of play. Matt Pope and Callum Allen on the wings made some great crosses. The second half began well for the travelling team. Some quick passing left Simon Lord with just the keeper to beat. He carefully placed the ball into the top corner over the advancing keeper. East Devon pulled a goal back and began to make a game of it. The Mids defence of Andy Rogers, Darren Wilson and Mark Salvage, kept the attackers at bay and left Ross Burton in goal with nothing to do. A short corner for Mids was stopped on the line by a Devon foot which gave Mids a penalty flick. Oliver dispatched this to regain the two goal lead. Again East Devon pulled a goal back and this led to a tense final 10 minutes. Mids were playing out of their skin, pressurising East Devon all over the field. Oliver bamboozled the midfield with some great skill and won a short corner. Knife pounced to power the ball over the line and end the home teams chances of getting anything from the game. Mids finally had a performance they are capable of.
Saturday 8th November 2008
Exeter Uni 'B' 4 Mid Somerset 2
Mids ventured to Exeter with the return of captain Roger Knife. A couple of players were missing but the bare eleven players started well. The away side hassled the Uni side all over the pitch and never gave the home side a chance to settle. After 10 minutes, Mids broke away and some great work by Euan Barker and Simon Lord saw the ball pop out to Christian Oliver for an easy tap in. Mids continued to pressurise and within 10 minutes were two up with a mazy run into the D by Matt Pope ended with a rasping shot from an angle into the back of the Exeter net. Mids never gave up and created several chances with no reply from the home team. Exeter had no option but to bring on their second teams players. Exeter started the second half strongly and although Mids made chances, the lack of substitutes was starting to tell. Exeter pulled back two quick goals before Mids began to play again. Then with 15 minutes left, a mix up in defence saw Exeter take the lead with a simple tap in. A fourth goal came and Mids were sunk. Despite a spirited performance Mids suffered their first defeat in three games.
Saturday 1st November 2008
Mid Somerset 1 ISCA 'B' 0
Mids kept up their recent improvement in form with a well fought victory over one of the strongest teams in the league. Previous meetings had been heated between the Exeter based team and Mids, and this was no exception. The weather was just below zero with a bitter wind but dry. Mids started well with some useful guidance from Andy Rogers on the side line and some fluid passing. The opposition didn't turn up for a draw and put together some well worked moves as well. Great defensive work by Dan Rogers, Mark Salvage, Darren Wilson and Ben McEwen kept the attackers at bay with Ross Burton only required to make one save in the first half. A lot of the play was being set up in the midfield with Pete Ball, Phil White, Steve Downden and Matt Pope setting up Christian Oliver and Simon Lord for several attacks. The turning point came when a ISCA defender was given 10 minutes off for a nasty challenge on Lord. Five minutes later Mids won a short corner and despite the all not being controlled fully, the ball came to Oliver who flicked the ball into the bottom corner to take the lead. the second half again saw both sides putting huge pressure on each defence with Mids creating far more possibilities. ISCA pushed but had nothing to offer and it was Mids who looked the stronger side through to the final whistle. A great result which sees Mids up to sixth in the league.
Saturday 25th October 2008
Plymouth Marjon 'C' 1 Mid Somerset 2
For the second week running Mids were missing several members of the first team. The previous week had seen a first home defeat of the season against a talented young side from Dartmoor. Due to the missing players, Mids travelled with the bare eleven and with Roger Knife on honeymoon, Christian oliver stood in as captain. Both teams were evenly matched and the play was end to end. The plymouth keeper made some terrific saves from Simon Lord, Phil Goode and Callum Allen to keep the game level. The home team took the lead before half time with a weak short corner that was lucky to cross the line. Mids knew they could get something from the game and began the second half positively bringing further saves from the Plymouth Goalkeeper. A Plymouth defender was then given 15 minutes in the sin bin for arguing an umpiring decision. This was what Mids needed and it wasn't long before some great work from Pete Ball saw a pin point cross converted by Oliver. Mids kept up the pressure and following a short corner, Ben Mcewan danced into the D with his wand of a stick performing tricks on about four defenders. The ball ended at the feet of Allen who rolled it over the line. The result moved Mids up four places in the league.
Saturday 11th October 2008
Bude 2 Mid Somerset 1
Mid Somerset can feel mighty aggreived after the long journey to Bude from Wells was fruitless due to a terrible umpiring decision. Mids were at full strength and boyed by the good win the previous week, were confident. The game was end to end with both keepers making crucial saves but it was the visiting team that deservedly struck first. Good work in midfield was capitalised on and pressure in the deal led to the ball falling to christian Oliver to slot home. The lead didn't last long and a short corner brought the home side level before half time. The second half was as frantic as the first and a draw seemed to be on the cards. This would have been a fair result but with the last play of the game, Bude struck the ball into the D at waist height. This is not allowed and therefore the resulting deflected goal should not have counted. The umpire decided to give the goal despite disallowing a very similar goal to Mid Somerset in the first half. This was a dreadful error and Mids reightfully appealled but the goal stood. Hopefully the same will not happen next week. Congratulations to 1st team Captain Roger Knife who is getting married on Saturday to Michelle Montgomery.
Saturday 4th October 2008
Mid Somerset 4 Torbay 'A' 0
Following a hockey lesson last week at the hands of Ashmoor in the first game of the season, Mid Somerset hosted Torbay 'A'. Several players returned to the side after being on holiday and this seemed to do the trick. The scoring was opened by Matt Pope who blazed a shot into the net from a tight angle. the home team continued to pressure the opposition defence and it wasn't long before debutant Phil Daniel claimed his first goal after returning to the club after a couple of years out in the cold. Half time gave a much needed break but Mids came out firing on all cylinders. A move that seemed to see every player on the pitch touch the ball at least once ended with some sterling work by the forwards and left captain Roger Knife an easy tap into an open net, couldn't have been easier. Simon Lord finished the scoring when he netted his second of the season. A great performance and a return to form. Away at Bude next week. Training takes place at Wells Blue School, Wells on Thursday nights at 7pm. All welcome.
