Mens Second XI News

07/03/2010

Shepton Mallet 2nd XI   - 1 - 1 Bath Buccs H


Shepton traveled to Bath on a bright Sunday afternoon knowing that at least a point from this fixture was crucial for their league status. They started brightly, spending much of the opening fifteen minutes in the Buccs half freely passing the ball with the occasional feed right through to the opposing D. Man of the match Mike Reina managed several pinpoint passes through to the forwards but Buccs showed their experience by defending robustly. This initial pressure was unrewarded and against the run of play Buccs edged ahead with a neatly deflected shot into the corner of the goal. This shock to the system meant that Shepton really had to up their game in the second half in search for that cutting edge finish that could see them level the tie.

The second half saw a completely dissimilar pattern of play however and Buccs pressed forward in search of stretching their lead. Some excellent defensive midfield work from Scott Beeching, James Weelen and John Blackmore meant that Buccs were unable to put the tie out of reach. Undeterred by the almost constant waves of Buccs attacks Shepton eventually managed to win a Short corner which was expertly dispatched by Brett Orrell with one of his customary thunderbolt strikes. The match eventually ended a draw which was a pleasing result that Shepton so desperately needed.

Note: the report above says "Thunderbolt strike"... upon reflection and viewing the vidieo it's actually more of a bounce!

 

23/01/2010

Shepton Mallet 2nd XI 5 - 1 Devizes 3rd XI

After a long winter break and last week’s postponed match the Hockey season finally resumed for Shepton 2nds. Devizes brought a team of youth and experience and were keen to build on their mid table position however it was Shepton who took the early initiative with man of the match Luke Charlton opening the scoring after 5 minutes using some silky stick skills to unleash low angled drive that flew into the goal. Shepton gained in confidence and started to capitalise on Devizes mistakes but also put together some good passing moves of their own with Paul Townsend and Neil Billing effectively controlling the midfield. They eventually managed to double their lead in the closing minutes of the half when an excellent through ball from Captain James Weelen found Charlton to score his second of the game in almost identical fashion.

Devizes were a changed side in the second half and pressed from the off; defenders Matt King-Brain and Brett Orrell worked hard to thwart any potential attacking opportunities. Devizes started to try anything and everything and were eventually rewarded with a life line when a lofted ball into the D was initially cleared by keeper Luigi Fauceglia but the preeceeding attack was converted with an accurate and hard shot leaving him with no chance. Within a minute however Shepton had restored their two goal cushion with Weelen making a run down the line into the D; his “cross” seemingly deceiving the keeper into leaving his line beat him at the near post. Devises continued to apply pressure and won a short corner which was turned around the post by Fauceglia. Shepton began to find a rhythm and eventually a fourth goal as the midfield worked hard to force a short corner; a thunderous strike from Orrell almost shattered the backboard. The game was still not over and some good play from make-shift attacker Scott Beeching allowed Charlton to latch onto the ball on his reverse-side to score his third of the game. All in all this was a well contested fixture and Shepton were delighted to come away with maximum points.

 

05/12/2009

Shepton Mallet 2nd XI 2 - 2 City of Bath 4th XI

After last weekend’s double disappointment in marginal defeats Shepton finally got some points on the board to end the first half of the season in the lower mid-table. City of Bath were only a point behind going into this fixture so a loss would have been disastrous in such a tightly contested league. Knowing this, Shepton started the match brightly, with the midfield capitalising on some errors made by City. This led to an early goal for Man of the Match Luke Charlton whose initial one-two pass with fellow attacker Mark Nash gave him the opportunity to shoot past the diving keeper. Luck wasn’t to be with Shepton for very much more of the period with a number of their short corners and goal attempts going high and wide. Shepton made things even more difficult for themselves nearing the end of the half when they conceded two quick goals. Several missed tackles and clearances led to City’s first goal followed by some poor follow-up marking after a short corner for the second.

City wanted to make the most of their advantage at the start of the second half and pressed forward. Des Osborn and Paul Townsend worked hard at cutting out some intelligent runs from the forwards. Undeterred by this onslaught Shepton got some midfield shape back and managed to begin to create some chances of their own with Andy Campbel-Orde and Mike Reina using the right wing effectively. Eventually the fruits of their labour paid off as the ever-eager Nash managed to run into the D and pull a shot off that bobbled over the keeper. Midfielder Stefano Fauceglia came close in the final stages of the game after a good run from the left; he beautifully lifted the ball over the keeper but the angle at which the ball was released meant the shot went wide. Shepton can be happy to have ensured that they stay at least a point ahead of City for now but face a monumental challenge away to league leaders Marlborough next week.

 

21/11/2009

Chippenham 2nd XI 3 - 1 Shepton Mallet 2nd XI

After the cancellation of the previous week’s match due to the weather, Shepton travelled to face table toppers Chippenham 2nds. Shepton welcomed back a number of players from injury and illness and started the match brightly making some good passing moves all over the pitch. Chippenham applied the early pressure but the Mallet’s defense of Andy Campbell-Ord, Matt King-Brain, Des Osbourne and Mike Reina denied their forwards a place on the score sheet. Shepton also threatened to score with runs through the middle by Luke Charlton and Mark Nash attacking the Chippenham defense. The opening goal came with the last hit of the first half as Chippenham scrambled the ball home after a goal mouth scrap.

Chippenham scored a quick goal as Shepton struggled to settle after the break. The Mallet continued to press and their efforts were rewarded when Neil Billing won a short corner after attacking the right wing. The initial shot was saved however as Billing, on his return following surgery for an injury sustained in the second match of the season, stepped up to pick up the deflection and slot it under the keeper.

Chippenham continued to press hard and were awarded a number of short corners and a penalty flick, which was saved by man of the match, Luigi Fauceglia. With 15 minutes remaining Shepton’s frustration showed and resulted in a yellow card being shown. Down to 10 men, Shepton held firm to deny the opposition from taking advantage of the extra man. Chippenham’s final goal came in the last few minutes as a tired Shepton failed to clear their lines. Overall this was a spirited performance which Shepton can take a lot of positives from.

31/10/2009

Shepton Mallet 2nd XI    3 - 3 Chippenham 3rd XI
 
Following a well deserved draw against promotion hopefuls City of Bath last week Shepton were keen to build on their achievements with the full three points in this matchup against a young and competent Chippenham side. Things were never going to be easy however as unforseen circumstances left Shepton with only the bare eleven and some positional changes thus needed to be made. Within the first few minutes Chippenham were on the score sheet where some an initial attack was thwarted only leaving the Shepton defence to clear the ball; this did not happen quickly enough leading to a Chippenham player optimisticly swiping for the ball and managing to lift it over the Shepton keepers' outstretched stick. Things were made worse minutes later when Shepton defender Andy Campbell-Orde suffered a serious muscle injury causing Captain James Weelen to re-organise the formation and take up the position of right-back himself. Un-compromised by this Shepton battled on and began to pass the ball around freely, several attacking opportuinities began to manifest themselves and it was only a matter of time before they would draw level. Shepton's first goal came midway through the half on a counter attack as Mark Nash and Andy Boyce combined well to pass the ball around the keeper for Luke Charlton to tap the ball home. Nash found himself on the score sheet a few minutes later when some good pressure from the midfield allowed him some space in the D to hammer the ball into the far corner of the goal past the stranded Chippenham keeper.
 
The second half was very much a different story and Chippenham upped the anti in search of an equaliser. They were rewarded early on with a short corner that was accurately dispathced by their key play-maker. Effectively being a man down Shepton really started to tire and Chippenham became desperate for more goals. Some route-one hockey from Chippenham saw them take the lead when an accurate pass found their attacker who went one-on-one with the keeper; an initial save was made but in the panic of the situation (and the jabbing stick of the Chippenham forward) the ball was knocked loose and contact enough was made for the ball to be stabbed home. It wasn't over yet and both sides created opportunities at both ends with Chippenham going very close on a couple of occasions. Thankfully Andy Boyce was on hand to score within the last ten minutes of the game with one of his trademark shots that left the backboard rattling. Shepton had survived and come away from this precarious game with a point and hopefully will get back to winning ways next week away to Bath Buccs.

24/10/2009

Shepton Mallet 2nd XI 2 - 2 City of Bath 3rd XI

Shepton returned to form this week with a commendable draw against early pace setters City of Bath B. In the first half both teams enjoyed spells of attacking possession with Bath pressurising the Shepton defence only to be thwarted by some good tackling from Des Osborne, Paul Townsend and Andy Campbel-Orde. Shepton managed to counter attack effectively and were eventually rewarded with the first goal of the match coming from a James Weelen run and cross that was redirected perfectly by Mark Nash. Bath started the second half determined to get back into the game and threw men forward. They were rewarded quickly when some sloppy Shepton marking resulted in a free Bath player firing the ball into the net to draw level. This pressure continued and led to another goal shortly afterwards as a short corner eventually found the back of the net after much scrambling in the goal mouth. Shepton persevered and some good work from midfielder Ryan Manvil enabled him to create a pinpoint delivery into the D for Nash to score his second of the game. The fixture was far from over with both teams creating some good chances; however the majority of play went to Bath who were denied time and again by man of the match Luigi Fauceglia in the Shepton goal.  Nash was also prevented from his hat-trick late on with a diving save from the Bath keeper. A very good performance from the team all round and Shepton hope to continue in the same manner next weekend at home against Chippenham.

 

10/10/2009

Shepton Mallet 2nd XI 4 - 0 Devizes 4th XI

Shepton arrived bright and early in Devizes for their latest league match and were keen to continue their recently found good form. The early indications were of another solid performance and new recruit Stefano Fauceglia quickly established a partnership in midfield with Scott Beeching. Shepton managed to pin Devizes in their own half and soon opened the scoring with Luke Charlton dribbling the ball into the D and firing past the keeper. A second was soon added when a string of good passes were put together to once again find Charlton on the end to finish the move with aplomb. Focus had to be maintained and Shepton restarted the game confidently and continued to press their advantage. This led to a stunning third goal where Mark Nash received the ball on the far post to swivel around the outstretched keeper and hammer home. Captain James Weelen ended a perfect first half with a well deserved goal after charging down the wing to receive the ball at the top of the D and blast the ball into the back of the net.

It was a completely different second half as Devizes made some tactical changes to their formation which consequently added a lot of pressure on the Shepton defence. Shepton’s troubles were increased with the loss of one player through injury and so they battled on with 10 men. Thankfully defenders Andy Campbell-Orde, Paul Townsend and Des Osborn made tackle after tackle to continually thwart the attack as Devizes fought hard to get back into the game. Finally the whistle blew and Shepton were proud to have survived the onslaught of the last few minutes. It was a thoroughly deserved victory where every player on the pitch gave their all to achieve yet another excellent win.

 

03/10/2009

Shepton Mallet 2nd XI 4 - 0 Marlborough 3rd XI

Shepton were determined to make amends after the disappointment of the opening game of the season. With a number of alterations to the line-up, the team started positively and the first goal came after only ten minutes when Scott Beeching picked up the ball on the 25 yard line and took on the defender with a reverse stick shot which beat Marlborough’s keeper. The second goal came shortly after when an attacking run by Neil Billing set up Mark Nash to score. Shepton continued to dominate throughout the first half with the third goal coming just before the half-time whistle courtesy of Luke Charlton. Marlborough started the second half with more determination and won a number of short corners. However, excellent defending by Des Osbourne, Andy Campbell-Ord, Paul Townsend and keeper Luigi Fauceglia kept any potential goals from the opposition at bay. In the final stages of the game, Shepton took the score further out of Marlborough’s reach with Mark Nash securing the victory with a fourth and final goal. Man of the match was Neil Billing.

 

 

28/03/2009

Shepton Mallet 2nd XI 2 - 1 Mendip

In this final encounter of the season Shepton faced table topping local rivals Mendip. This was to be a hotly contested match for two reasons, firstly because Shepton were comprehensively beaten by this side early on this season; and secondly the fact that Mendip fielded a number of ex-Shepton players.

Shepton’s recent form has been excellent and it continued in the opening exchanges as Luke Charlton, player of the year Scott Beeching and Ryan Manvill worked hard in midfield. It was Mendip who created a number of short corner chances however and the experienced Shepton defenders Des Osborne and Glen Treasure helped keep the sheet clean. The first goal was scored midway through the half when season top scorer Andy Boyce hammered a shot into the bottom corner following a short corner routine. Shepton gained confidence from this and created a few more chances in search of another goal but to no avail.

The weather provided an interesting start to the second half as a passing hail storm covered the pitch in ice causing tricky conditions. Mendip really applied the pressure and created more opportunities, one good chance was thwarted by Shepton keeper Luigi Fauceglia, diving to his left to turn the ball around his post. Shepton soon found their stride again however and began playing some free flowing hockey. Some good play between Mike Squire and James Weelen led to a goal, which after much dispute, was disallowed for being lifted into the D. Shepton did however manage to claim another soon after when Mark Nash seized the ball from the edge of the area and neatly slotted home. Mendip scored a late consolation goal which caused a mini revival for the Midsomer Norton team however Shepton held firm to take the victory and end their season on a high. Shepton hosts its annual club day this coming Saturday followed by a “pub quiz” in the evening. All are welcome to come along and play.

 

22/03/2009

Shepton Mallet 2nd XI 4 - 3 Swindon B

Survival within the league came right down to the wire, with this being the penultimate game and Shepton still needing a point to remain in the league. Shepton started slowly and Swindon with the home advantage, capitalised on the confusion within the defence and scored two quick goals within the first few minutes. After some restructuring Shepton settled into their game and began to apply the pressure to the Swindon defence with good runs on the wings by Luke Charlton and James Weelen. Shepton won a number of short corners leading up to half time but were unable to get the illusive goal.

After a rousing half time talk by the captain Shepton new what had to be done and fired out of the starting blocks in the second half, every player stepped up their game and Shepton were rewarded mid way through the half when Andy Boyce scored his most important goal of the season. Shortly afterwards Mark Nash was able to draw Shepton level with another well worked goal from the mid field and forwards.

The third goal came with ten minutes to go when Neil Billing's shot slipped between the out stretched keeper and the post. The next attack saw Lloyd Manvill pick up a lose ball on the back post to make the margin comfortable. Shepton allowed another goal to be conceded in the closing moments but were ecstatic when the final whistle was blown; every player gave their all during this match and the improvement seen in the later half of season has ensured that Shepton will remain in the league for the next year.