1st Team Vs Wednesbury [F]

OWHC travelled to Wednesbury with a chance to see how they shaped up against arguably one of the title contenders.

OWHC set up slightly differently and sought to take advantage of the pitch (which did not allow for fast, zippy passes unless extra effort was given). Callum, Ashworth and Sam all sought to press high and win interceptions.

The plan worked well with Wednesbury forced to play "route one" hockey and hit/aerial the ball up the pitch to relieve pressure. Soon Kam found space on the left and drilled a cross that was turned in by Adam at the back post following a superb overlapping run on the right.

OWHC continued to press high and won numerous challenges to create opportunities but couldn't find their finishing touches. Wednesbury continued their route one plans and found no way past Palmer, Chris Nightingale and Puv Samra. Colin barely had a save to make for the first half.

HT - OWHC 1-0 Wednesbury

The second half continued with more of the same. OWHC continued to probe but couldnt find that second goal.

Suddendly, a gap opened for Sam Colman at RB to accruately split the defence with a pass that Callum latched onto to deflect in.

Wednesbury began to push up the pitch following the second goal and began to pressure the OWHC defence with Colin called into action several times. With Chris Nightingale off injured, OWHC were down to 11 and began to tire.

A quick counter attack from Wednesbury saw numerous OWHC players out of position and managed to work through the defence and slot home following a failed attempt to fully clear the ball.

The game reached a crescendo with Wednesbury trying to get forward and OWHC failing to score from the numerous chances generated by Sam, Ashworth and Callum as gaps opened in the Wednesbury defence. However, there were no more goals in this game and OWHC left with their heads high after a sharp, workmanlike performance to get the win.

Full Time - OWHC 2-1 Wednesbury

Man of the Match: Simon Palmer