Winless Sheffield Hallam Hockey Club face league leaders at home

Sheffield Hallam are still looking for their first points of the new season after losing their first home game of the season to reigning North Conference Champions, Durham University.
By The Newsroom
Published 5th Oct 2017, 17:35 BST
Updated 12th Dec 2017, 01:31 BST
Taylor Bland beats a Durham defender. Photo: Vikki BeavisTaylor Bland beats a Durham defender. Photo: Vikki Beavis
Taylor Bland beats a Durham defender. Photo: Vikki Beavis

The margin of victory was as slender as it gets with the visitors finishing the game celebrating a narrow 1-0 victory. The goal game in the unlucky 13th minute as mistakes amongst the home side were pounced upon by the visiting students who made their hosts pay dearly. It was Durham’s Freddie Foster who finished of a slick passing move after Sheffield turned the ball over close to their own defensive circle.

Despite the early setback, Sheffield fought their way back in to the match. Despite having less possession, they defended resolutely and were even able to mount their own attacks. Taylor Bland, making his home league debut, should have done better when presented with a superb chance in the latter stages of the first half.

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Although Coach Will Hearne was quick to praise the defensive efforts of his team, he still felt there was much work to be done in front of goal. He would have been disappointed that the side only managed to win one penalty corner in the match and only Toby Sadri went close to scoring during an extremely tight second half.

This week, table topping Nottingham University are the visitors to Abbeydale, coached by former SHC goalkeeper, Jamie Cachia. He has former SHC midfielder and current England under-21 Tom Sorsby in his side and will present the home side with their sternest challenge to date.

Meanwhile the Ladies’ first team travelled to Kendal and lost 3-1 away at Kendal. Sheffield started well but Kendal took full advantage on the counter attack to lead 3-0 by the end of the first half. In the second half torrential rain almost flooded pitch, however Sheffield had their own little ray of sunshine in the form of Georgina Lacey who was on hand to score her 2nd short corner of the season with a deflection to make the final score 3-1. The deserved player of the match was Kathryn Hughes who put in another sterling performance in the Sheffield midfield.

The Men’s second team notched their first win of the season winning 3-1 away from home against Wakefield. Dylan Lim Hon scored his first Sheffield goal whilst newly appointed skipper, Alex Molyneux, continued his rich vein of form in front of goal. Joe Horne added the third. The Ladies’ reserves also secured their first three points with a fine 4-0 win against local rivals Chapeltown. Hannah Shorter scored a hat-trick with Jess Driffield completing the rout.