| Match Report |
An inexperienced badgers team played at home and faced a North Staffs side on the return leg after a heavy defeat in the previous game. Ryan and Ben battled hard in defence in the first phase of the game as the badgers struggled to get started and North Staffs dominated in midfield with a series of attacks and good passing hockey. Kai and Tom started to reverse the trend and together with Sam started to control the midfield more and gained some well needed possession. The badgers made some solid breaks and started to create more chances in the D, with Callum and James holding some good positions high up the field. A great break and pass through to Callum was put away firmly and calmly, 1-0 at half time. In the second half North Staffs came out fighting and the less experienced badgers team struggled to cope with the pace and stayed pinned in their own half. After a series of short corners, the pressure finally presented a chance which they converted. Further pressure and dominance in the badgers' D led to a period of confusion and with a slight deflection, an own goal. The badgers found a final period of resilience, but were unable to equalise. the game ended 2-1, a disappointing loss. This was the first full outing for three of the Wall boys (Tom, Ben and James), made up to the full set of four with Wall senior - a proud moment for Dad. Sam was named man of the match by his team.
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