Men's 1st XI Vs Barton

Telford and Wrekin Men’s 1st XI started their 2021/22 pre-season campaign on Saturday against Barton who play in the division above the hosts.

Telford gave debuts to homegrown juniors Will Gough and Ollie Brannen, as well as Tom Mallett who has signed from Olton, and also saw a return to the club from Liam Hennessy.

The game started evenly with both sides looking to play positive, attacking hockey, but it was Telford who struck first through Callum Stacey. After winning a penalty corner the defender slotted a drag flick into the bottom left corner of the goal which beat the keeper comprehensively.

An even finish to the first half saw the hosts go into half time leading 1-0 and feeling satisfied with the first 35 minutes of play.

Telford were firmly in control of the game and extended their lead ten minutes into the second half. Some aggressive defending by Vince Richardson allowed him to break into Barton’s half. After linking up with Ollie Brannen the ball fell kindly for Richardson who was able to finish the ball into the empty goal.

Soon it was 3 when Dave Tracey was able to finish his chance with ease after some good work by the skipper Alex Johnson to set Tracey up with an open goal. DT had his second minutes later after Cal Nightingale and Tom Mallett won the ball well in midfield. Mallett found Will Gough free in Barton’s ‘D’ who then showed good composure to find DT in almost a carbon copy to his first goal.

Barton scored themselves a consolation goal with minutes to spare from a penalty corner which was disappointing for the hosts who had defended well all game.

A good start for the Men’s 1st XI but only a small step on their bid for promotion this season.