Men's 1st XI Vs Khalsa Leamington 1

Telford travelled to top of the league Khalsa on Saturday, knowing that they were in for a tough game, but determined to stick to their principles. Khalsa were able to boast 3 Pakistani internationals amongst their ranks, with nearly 400 caps between them.

Telford defended well for the first 15 minutes, limiting the Khalsa chances and trying to hit on the break. Tom Mallett led the line well and won an early penalty corner for Telford where Cal Stacey’s drag flick was saved well to the keepers right. Skipper Tom Gough was particularly disruptive in midfield, breaking down a number of plays. However, the deadlock was broken by a Mubashar Ali drag flick, wrong footing keeper Davies and sending him the wrong way. 1 soon became 2 when Ammar Butt broke free and into the D before crashing a backhand into the roof of the net. 

Telford continued to defend hard, with the ever youthful Chris 'Beefo' Heath making a number of important challenges. But a loose pass from the skipper in the middle allowed Khalsa a 2 v 1, which they dutifully put away. 3-0.

Telford got themselves a goal back just before half time with a ruthless counter attack. Sunny Sahota did well at the top of the Telford ‘D’ to secure possession and set Telford on their way. The skipper determined to make amends for his earlier error found the only World Cup winner on the pitch, Liam Hennessy on the right hand side in space. Hennessy’s drive into the Khalsa 25 drew all of the defenders towards him, he calmly played in the late arriving Sam Pratt who’s first touch put himself in the ‘D’ to then crash the ball in off the post to get his first Telford goal!

HT - 3-1.

Telford were optimistic at half time and knew that they had competed well so far in the game and knew that they must stick to the game plan in the 2nd half to keep Khalsa within touching distance. Telford’s hopes were soon crushed by 3 penalty corners in the space of 10 minutes by Ali, 2 rifled into the top left of the goal, and another one fired down the centre. 

With over 20 minutes to go there was potential that Khalsa could run away with the game and things could turn ugly, but Telford fought hard to keep Khalsa at bay. Some brave No. 1 running from Goughy kept the short corner threat to a minimum, and solid defending by Cal Stacey, Beefo and Sunny thwarted any chances from open play. Not to forget Vince Richardson who battled brilliantly with 1 and 1/2 hamstrings!

Despite the scoreline finishing 6-1, Telford knew that they battled hard against some quality players and could be proud with their efforts. Attention draws to the final 3 games of the half season where the face Northampton Saints, Stratford and Barton.