Men's 1st XI Vs Burton 1

Telford and Wrekin Hockey club welcomed Burton to St George’s on Saturday in their final home game of the season. Telford’s new pitch has become a fortress for the side as they have only lost one game at home all season and were hoping to extend their run of good form into the final two games. 

With the sun beating down at 1:30 the game started with Telford enjoying plenty of the ball as Burton were content with sitting slightly deeper and frustrating the home side. With weather conditions slowing the game down slightly it was essential that Telford remained patient with the ball and if they stuck to the game plan the goals would come. 

Telford probed for the first 15 minutes without any clear cut chances or openings. Having won the ball deep in the Burton half the hosts pounced on a rare mistake from the Burton defence. Tom Gough won a penalty corner which was dispatched with ease by Callum Stacey who has his 3rd goal since his return to the side to give Telford a deserved 1-0 lead. 

More possession continued until the break with Telford 1 goal to the good and there was a clear message for more of the same in the second half as Burton would begin to tire in the heat. 

Despite Telford only having a one goal advantage they were happy to look after the ball and push forwards when openings arrived. Their discipline was rewarded with 15 minutes left on the clock as Telford progressed down the right with Tom Gough and advancing defender Chris Heath, from here the ball was delivered into the ‘D’ where Noah Higginson’s first touch found Tom McKittrick. His shot bobbled and beat the keeper at his near post to double Telford’s advantage. 

Heading into the final 5 minutes Sean Huffer had his reward as Chris Heath found him wide open on the penalty spot with an open goal at his mercy. 

3 goals and 3 points were deservedly Telford’s as they worked extremely hard against a defensively solid side on a very warm day. 

Telford’s final game of the season is a trip to local rivals Bridgnorth who have 4 points from their last two games.