| Match Report |
The Men’s third team travelled away to top of the table Barford Tigers for a 12:15 pushback. The 12 man squad that met Barford included Josh Carr-Yetzes being called up again from the 4th team.
Telford were happy to let Barford play the ball around the back, knowing that the runaway leaders could be a serious threat going forward. Telford did create chances going forward, with Ben Stevens almost being through on goal, but the Tiger defender’s hand on his back went unpunished. Telford only won 1 short corner during the game, but Tigers were able to clear the shot with ease. Some great defending from all of Telford’s midfield and defence kept Barford out, with ‘keeper Dom Pritchard making some great saves as well. Barford won multiple shorts, however all the drag flicks were easy saves for Pritchard, with most straight into his feet.
Telford held strong, and kept the score at 0-0 until half time. Captain Chris Nightingale encouraged positivity within his squad, with a good result possible from the match.
Telford’ defence held on from a bombardment of Barford attacks, with the likes of Billy France, Ash Gillum, Jack Hodnett and Josh Carr-Yetzes all putting in great defensive performances, with Carr-Yetzes, Glynn Summerhayes and Roman Randell all pushing forwards as well, however the visitors struggled to trouble the Tiger’s goalkeeper. Tigers got their goals with not long left on the clock, a fortuitous decision saw Tigers receive a penalty corner, with Tigers changing their routine for the first time, throwing off the defence with Tigers hitting home to give them the lead. Their second came through a good run by their 57, with Stevens unable to keep up with him, and Pritchard slipping at the last second.
Raj Dhanjal started to produce a great run from his own 23, before injury pulled him to the ground on the halfway line, forcing him off for the rest of the match. Telford’s best chance of the game came when Matt Fennell-Fox was played through by the midfield, dragging the Tiger’s CB being pulled towards him, leaving Stevens open in the centre of the goal, but Fennell-Fox wanted the glory for himself, trying to beat the ‘keeper at the near post.
A tough result for Telford to take, with a great defensive performance keeping out the leaders until late on. Man of the Match went to Josh Carr-Yetzes, stepping up to the thirds once again, and looking comfortable wide in Telford’s midfield, as well as some great work defensively. DOTD went to Ben Edwards and Luis Parker, with Parker dropping out after a good Friday night. Next week sees an early start for the 3rds, a 10am start at home against bottom of the league Wednesbury, winning 3-1 against them earlier in the season.
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