Men's 1st XI Vs Harborne 2

Telford and Wrekin Hockey Club Men’s 1st XI opened their season with an away trip to Harborne 2nds after the disappointment of last season’s Covid interruption. 

The visiting side started well pressing Harborne high and creating early chances. Noah Higginson got Telford up and running with a good, deflected finish from Dave Tracey’s pinpoint cross. Goal scoring midfielder Sam Mallett doubled the score line with an unstoppable reverse strike. Telford went into half time 3-0 up as debutant Tom Mallett who signed this season from Olton scored a drag flick which beat the keeper down low. 

Telford came out of the blocks quickly in the second half and scored within 20 seconds as Sunny Sahota won the ball well into Harborne’s half. He picked out Tom Mallett whose reverse strike hit the bottom right corner leaving the keeper with no chance. Dave Tracey got in on the act as he and Tom Mallett combined, DT rounded the keeper and coolly slotted home to make it 5-0. Tom Mallett missed the chance to score a hat-trick on debut as he saw his penalty stroke saved by the Harborne keeper who played well for the hosts. 

Cal Stacey made it 6 with an excellent drag flick which beat the keeper to his right, however after a lapse in concentration at the back Harborne pulled themselves a consolation goal back. DT finished off the 7-1 victory with an excellent back space shot which again gave the keeper no chance.

A superb opening performance from Telford with some clinical finishing and a solid defensive performance. A solid debut for young Tom McKittrick who has signed from Shrewsbury, as well as the return of Liam Hennessy from Deeside Ramblers. 

Telford face North Staffs 1s next week at St George’s Recreation Ground, 1:30 push back.