Fylde 1XI 2-2 Chester 2XI
North Hockey League Division 3
Fylde’s first team laboured their way to a 2-2 draw away at Chester. And despite continuing their unbeaten run this season, the result will feel like two points were dropped rather than a point gained.
A number of omissions from the squad gave a first team debut to youngster Ryan Nicholls, as well as a first appearance of the season for Aaron Sadler, both of whom have impressed for the seconds this year and both did not look out of place with their work-rate and decision making in the match.
Despite dominating early possession, Chester should have taken the lead. Catching Fylde on the break, a feature of the game, their forward rounded keeper Nick Rainbow, only to inexplicably shoot wide of the open goal. A big let off. Chesters style of play frustrated Fylde throughout, defending deep, which they did effectively. Several penalty corners came and went, both Josh Boyne and Rob Jepson found themselves in acres of space but neither could find the killer pass or shot. HT 0-0
As Chester started the second half with 10 men, Fylde were keen to push on and find the breakthrough. But they overcommitted and despite a fine one on one save by Rainbow, Chester followed up on the rebound. The response was instant though m, James Oakes applying the final touches on a goalmouth scramble to level things. Soon Fylde has the lead, some fine one touch passing out the back between Jepson and Major released Boyne up the right wing, resulting in Oakes grabbing his second of the game.
Ultimately though it was a period of 5 minutes that cost Fylde. Jepson came off with a head injury, and whilst the away side tried to sort out their lines, Chester again hit on the counter with an aerial ball. Ian Swaine tried, but failed to pick it out the air and the Chester forward slotted home. Numerous chances continued for Fylde, but the winner just didn’t come.
The result leaves Fylde top of the table, who were helped out by second place Timperley also slipping up on their travels.
Fylde 2XI 6-4 Preston 4XI
North West Hockey League Division 2 North
Fylde Mens 2's continued their superb run of form with a 6-4 home victory against Preston 4's, and gained revenge after a surprise loss to these local rivals just before Xmas.
Fylde always looked the sharper side and stormed into a 3-1 lead at half-time, with a tap-in goal from captain Simon Allen following a pass to the back post from Alan Simpson, and one each from young strikers Luca Sempers and Chris Walker. The second half started the same way with Alex Horrocks bossing the midfield, and further goals from top scorer Phil Hope and a beautiful reverse stick from Luca Sempers for a 5-1 lead. Somehow Fylde let their concentration slip, gifted Preston a goal, and then Preston became the team with all the possession, and pushed on for another goal and at 5-3 Fylde looked worried.
A breakaway goal for Chris Walker eased the tension, but Preston scored one more to make the final score 6-4 to Fylde, but they left the pitch disappointed with their second half performance. However, they remain 3rd in Div 2N and just a point behind Leyland & Chorley in the race for the second automatic promotion spot..
Fylde 3XI 1-2 Leyland and Chorley
North West Hockey League Division 3 North
After an impressive performance in the previous match against Golbourne, Fylde 3s were looking to take advantage of a familiar opponent in Leyland and Chorley and hope to gain something from this weekend. The match started fairly even, with both teams having their fair share of attacking chances, but it was Leyland who scored first to make the game harder to play for in the first half. The second half seemed to edge in Fylde's direction, with a lot of attacking plays coming from the wingers in Duke Jones and Richard Clarke, but also some very skilful runs from centre back Harry Gordon, who seemed to be able to beat just about anyone as he advanced up the field creating chances. Fylde had two short corners awarded and it was the second where captain Ollie Holmes managed to score with a strong hit into the bottom right corner making it 1-1 and giving the home side some hope of a result.
The match seemed to appear even between both sides but it was Leyland again who managed to score and make it a 2-1 victory, giving Fylde plenty to think about for future performances. Man of the match was young Ollie Greenwood, who gave a very impressive display at centre forward, looking to be involved in all parts of the match and looking very comfortable battling against men twice his size!
Fylde 4XI
North West Hockey League Division 4 North North
No Game.
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