Match Report - punjab 2nd march 2010

The eagerly awaited  first time clash between Divisions top 2, HKFC D and Punjab didn't disappoint the crowds

The lessons learned over the past few games had clearly cemented a new found confidence in club D. A patient confident passing game was evident from the start. The previous erratic smashed long ball was gone. Club showed great confidence in utilizing the backs, and making patient progress linking up with the midfield with a  controlled  possession game stringing together passes making steady penetration into Punjabs half

Russell wilkinson and stu webb made a couple early penetrative runs with the ball probing and showing weaknesses in the punjab defense.

Paul O'brian had a great game in the halves with an early link up with the russell wilkinson on the wing, early pass back to Obrian, passed deep into the D, chance to be narrowly missed by stu webb who put the ball wide of the left had post.

The first half was controlled and dominated by Club. Jim had a classic game at right back showing some some strong possession and good runs into midfield with great distribution.

Couple first half won short corners, first hard hit was just kept out by fully stretched punjab keeper, second was closed down by punjab and hit wide.

Punjab played a physical game from the start, showed little desire or ability to pass the ball from the backs. There whole game was about the long hard smashed ball from the back line to the centre park, then again the smash long to wings and forwards. Punjab  played a confrontational style of hockey, muscling club on the ball, and one of intimidating the umpire. Club didn't get dragged down to there game level which should be applauded, as at times the game became physical with punjab spoiling to fight.

Important to note for the next clash with punjab, with this style of smashing the ball long with wielding sticks, it will be necessary to close punjab down earlier to prevent the strike. The intimidatory style of dangerous hockey is clearly there ploy to prevent teams getting close. So as to prevent risk of injury, guys we will need to commit early and close them down. Punjab did NOTHING with the ball what so ever but we lost out to the smash ball through midfield. If we close punjab down on the ball they will be forced to make short passes which i think will force them into making mistakes under pressure.

Punjab relied on one player, number 8 to hassle in front of goal. 

But a greta first half from all, and some good defense from short corners.

2nd half was much of the same, great solid patient play by the whole team, solid tackling from club. Big steve played very much a holding centre forwards role, with possession he played a blinder by holding on the ball, showing strength when hassled and under barrage of fouls still held turned and distributed allowing club to create chances. This has been missing all season, We need to hold the ball in front of goal until we can get players into space to create opportunities to either pass or shoot. Well done steve.

Again Graham Dove had a great game, covered a lot of ground both defensively and offensively.

Alot of arguing within Punjab resulted in there fullback being yellow carded but club failed to capitalize with the extra player.

Build up play on the right with Obrian, steve and graham saw a lose ball rebounded from defense pounced on in classical style by graham dove, GOAL, despite the celebration, the umpire took a consultation after  complaints from punjab, ruling from umpire at the other side of field, no goal. Goal controversially denied. 

5 mins later punjab scored a scruffy goal which from a free hit outside the D was NEVER stopped before play, arguably didnt travel 5 yards before the pass and without doubt was lifted into the D. After it pitched from the strike in front Luccho who otherwise had ANOTHER FANTASTIC game it bounced above the back board. The umpire (punjabs 12th man) poorly gave  the goal 1-0 punjab, 15 mins from full time.

Graham Dove made without doubt the tackle of the season, a lose ball in front of goal closed down by punjab, graham launched himself airborne, cleared the ball whilst mid air, keeping club in the game late on

Club tried with valor to equalize but were kept out with few late chances missed. 1-0 full time punjab

The loss was disappointing to all concerned, we played our best hockey all year, the result had absolutely no reflection on the game. More of the same for the remaining games could give us the title or at least secure promotion.

Of note i think . BRIC played a great game at left half, he was moving into acres of space creating opportunities for distribution. But Bric SHOUT LOUD for the ball. And other wiser some good runs into midfield on the ball, then some steady passing to complete.

Although a good committed game by Ds, a observation which needs making. At times a little criticism was heard on the pitch by players towards others. Everyone played a hard game, some injured some incurring injuries on the pitch. None of the squad are national team players and WILL make mistakes. No one was seen not to be trying. Lets limit the comments on the field  to be constructive. The only criticism should come form Graham or chappie. Its counter productive and potentially destructive if we go along those lines of vocal barracking. We observed first had what happened to  Punjab as they ripped into each other all game. 

Unlucky guys, great game. well done