1st Team Vs West Bromwich

A topsy-turvy day for the weather saw an assembled OWHC 1/2s side take on a 1/2s West Brom side following the unavailability of numerous players.

With a strong side out, and two new captains - OWHC were keen to make their mark but suffered as West Brom dictated the game and took the front foot in the early stages without gaining any serious chances of note.

Ashworth, Sam and Callum all probed the West Brom defence constantly and employed a more direct style of attacking that sought to constantly pressure the West Brom keeper and centre backs. A short corner was won and Shave saw his orignal effort saved before sweeping in the rebound.

OWHC continued to press West Brom and began to exert a considerable level of control in midfield between Shave and Litchfield. With Al Thompson and Simon Palmer bringing the ball out of defence sharply, a smooth move was developed down the right hand side with Litchfield, Chris Tibble and Callum all linking up well. A drilled cross into the D by Callum saw Ashworth get a touch but as it was just going wide - Ryan Harding was on hand to divert the ball home at the back post.

Another short corner followed, a smart pass out by Palmer allowed Shave to advance forward in the D and see a deflected shot fly into the corner of the goal.

West Brom ended the half strongly, however, with a quick corner attack opening space on the left and the left winger struck sweetly into the near bottom corner to beat Colin.

HT - OWHC 3 - 1 West Brom

The second half followed a theme of OWHC dictating the tempo of the game in their half. Ashworth, Callum and Sam all went close but a counter attack from West Brom again saw them nick a goal to make it 3-2.

OWHC continued to press in the opposition half and were rewarded with a goal from Simon Palmer arising from another short corner. A one-two between Shave and Palmer (despite a scramble in the D) saw Palmer put the game out of West Brom's reach with a well struck effort.

FT - OWHC 4-2 West Brom

A good opening to pre-season with a great deal of positives to take from it for both the 1s and the 2s.

Man of the Match - Callum Nightingale