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Mason Chisels for Victory against Chesterfield

March 06 2010 | Mens 2nd XI vs Chesterfield | 2-1 Win

The disappointment of losing in the last minute against Coventry & North Warwick was soon forgotten as Lichfield inflicted the same pain on this week’s hosts Chesterfield.

Lichfield began the match strongly, limiting the opening skirmishes to a midfield contest. Slowly, the game opened up, and good work down both flanks saw each side come close. Lichfield were aggrieved not to be given a penalty stroke when the ball appeared to strike a defender on the line from a well worked penalty corner, which saw Mason provide an early warning to the Chesterfield defence. However, the visitors were forced to settle for a long corner, and the chance was lost.

The deadlock was broken midway through the first half as Lichfield showed their counter-attacking prowess. Astle, who was obviously out to impress, picked up the ball on his own 25 yard line, and supplied Parker on half way. His direct running caused problems for the Spirites defenders, and as Parker slipped a pass to Round, he confused the keeper (and possible himself) and slipped the ball home to take the lead.

This appeared to stir the hosts and they began to exert some pressure of their own, but Lichfield held firm for the time being - Lax performing admirably in goal whenever the defence was caught out. However, a Lichfield breakaway saw them punished at the other end of the park as four Chesterfield front men bore down on three Lichfield players. The inevitable space and some lucky ricochets saw the ball land in the Lichfield goal, squaring the score line.

At halftime, “Cafu” Lewis encouraged his players to remain calm and take their chances. Both sides continued to attack well and defended equally adeptly in this close and well fought contest. Lichfield showed pace on the counter attack a number of times, and good looking balls into the ‘D’ from Lewis, Astle and Gleeson were not met by Lichfield attackers. At the other end interceptions and clearances from Platt, Baldwyn, Clarke and Lax were vital in maintaining the 1-1 score line. As the game swung from end to end, Lewis blasted over and Parker shot wide as the visitors looked to strike a decisive blow.

Just as it appeared that the game would end in a tie, Lichfield earned a corner following some rash defending by the home side. Lewis pointed out that a goal with 40 seconds remaining would win the match, and his team responded appropriately. Astle’s injection was swift, Gleeson’s stop accurate, and Mason’s drag-flick buried itself high into the net, just rewards considering that he deserved something more from his first half effort.

Lichfield stole the win in the dying moments, in a dramatic match that was competitive and played in the correct spirit throughout. Finishing the afternoon with a great tea and watching England beat India in the Hockey World Cup was the stuff dreams are made of.

Our next fixture sees the visit of lowly Players HC to Collins Hill, where Lichfield will look to build upon this result and finish the season strongly over their remaining three fixtures. Your support is always welcome.

Goal Scorers

Team

Paul Baldwyn (C)
Robbie Gleeson
Martin Clarke
Paul Lewis
Matthew Astle
Steven Bailey