News

Boys Record Historic Win V Cannock

Posted by: Uobhc Club, Added on: 4.11.09, Last Updated: 4.11.09


Despite the wet, grey start to the day the skies soon cleared as both teams stepped onto the Bournbrook.

The game started with the high intensity start as was to be expected and it was Cannock who drew first blood thanks to a hard, low flick past Birmingham keeper Andrew Gooderham by the all too fimiliar face of Alex Penney. Cannock's 1-0 lead was short-lived as Birmingham's momentum grew and the fresh-legged forwards Nick Samra and Rich Marshall worked well together to win a short corner which was despatched by Pete Jackson with venom and precision.

Despite the International capacity of Cannock's midfield the young Birmingham midfield dominated play, in particular Phil Messent was instrumental in their attacking play. The half ended one a piece with both teams displaying the quality of hockey the crowd expected but chances were few and far between.

The second half began with a clash of players which resulted in a yellow card to Cannock's Stuart Gooderham. The ten men Cannock defended as a solid unit and Birmingham were unable to break them down. Despite the defensive mind-set of the visitors they still posed a massive threat from quick re-starts and counter-attacks. The return of the sin-binned player saw Cannock reduce their defensive responsibility and a breakaway play was finished off with a quick shot beating keeper Gooderham near post, giving Cannock a 2-1 lead. Gooderham more than made up for conceding a goal he would have wanted to save with a terrific penalty corner save, some close range shots and wore a mean shot in the mid-drift.

The next ten minutes saw Birmingham create all the chances but a resolute Cannock defence was just able to keep them out.  The pressure built up and the high intensity press found a fault in the Cannock defence as forward Ben Stoney robbed the ball from Alex Penney who was only left to watch as Stoney calmly took it round the Cannock keeper and slotted it into the goal with a neat backhand shot. The crowd who were excellent all game got their reward.

What started as a good day for Penney, on his return to the Bournbrook, turned even worse as he received a yellow for ill-discipline.

Both teams had a few chances but neither could finish the game off. After 70 minutes of non-stop, quality hockey the game ended 2-2; which both teams would agree was a fair result. This brought golden goal extra time. Despite the fear of golden goal neither team held back as Cannock were unable to finish a few close chances due to poor basics and fantastic keeping from Gooderham. Birmingham also came close as Scotty Evans hit the bar in what seemed to be slow motion.

The whistle signalled the end of extra-time and the start of the nerve racking penalty flicks. Birmingham were to take the first flick and up stepped the eccentric Richard Gere-Evans who fired his flick straight down the middle. Cannock replied with a low, fierce flick from Penney.

The crowd got behind Jackson who looked to get his second goal of the match; his flick send the keeper the wrong way a piled the pressure on Cannock. This pressure took its toll on the Cannock flicker Ben Dando who's flick was saved by Gooderham. Penalty flick specialist Marshall coolly placed his flick passed the young Cannock keeper to give Birmingham a 3-1 lead. This was short-lived as ex-Loughborough player Robbie Smith stepped and reduced the lead to 3-2.

Birmingham Captain Mathew Cocks, an unfamiliar face to the penalty spot, confidently walked up to the mark before he managed to squeeze his flick past the keeper. Cannock needed to score as they trailed 2-4. Their Captain and old Birmingham student Richard Lane was next up. His decent flick was matched by a great save from England A team mate Gooderham to give Birmingham the win and see's them through to the last sixteen.

Many thanks go out to those who stood and support in the chilly wind and congratulations to those playing.

The next round see's UOBHC face Belper away; good luck!