MATCH REPORT M2 v Bicester 3’s

Men’s 2’s welcomed undefeated table topping Bicester to the High school on a balmy November day.

Wootton were hoping to continue the development path they have been on this season, and this was evidenced as the teams sparred with each other in the opening exchanges. The game ebbed and flowed, players playing out of position like Mark, Greg, Darren and Tim all showing their versatility for the team and making excellent contributions, especially the latter making his debut in goal and not looking out of place at all. Liam also making his debut for the club and putting in a great shift. The first half was a tight affair with both teams probing to find that breakthrough, but it was the visitors that found the back of the goal late in the half to see the half time score 0-1.

The half time team talk was all positive as the team had played some great hockey but without seeing the fruits of their labour. They stepped out determined to get something from the game, unfortunately Bicester didn’t read the script and scored with their first attack of the half. Wootton continued to enjoy some good spells of possession, some lovely 1-2’s in midfield and started to progress up the field and win a few penalty corners, one of which saw Greg wiped out and Wanderers awarded a penalty stroke. Having not had the best of records from the spot in recent times, skipper Mark grabbed the ball and the responsibility, with a glance to the corner he fired it in the opposite side giving the keeper no chance. Wootton saw their chance to get something from the game and pressed Bicester hard and pushed on to get the equaliser, this left them exposed and with almost the last attack of the game Bicester put the game to bed.

Final score 1-3, but Bicester knew they had been in a good tight game and celebrated as such, Wootton go into the winter break with confidence high based on their efforts during the season even if the results haven’t shown it.