Following a disappointing result last time out, West Brom 3rds claimed victory against Finchfield 4ths, to get their promotion campaign back on track. 

West Brom made several changes to the team with Duncan Fellows, Tom Davies and Wez Price all returning, to strengthen the defence, midfield and attack respectively. The fixture also saw former player Wayne Thompson return to face his  old club. Thompson played the reverse fixture in West Brom colours, where both sides battled out an unusual 0-0 draw.

 

With a point to prove against one of the top teams in the league, West Brom started off strongly. The home side got onto the score sheet within minutes of the pushback. The move started with a free hit in the right back position. Tom Davies drove forward and drilled the ball into the opponents D, where Mark Jones was in the right place at the right time to tuck the ball away. 

 

Finchfield responded well with some nice attacking hockey, their young forwards testing the home defence. The visitors were then awarded a short corner, after what can only be described as a moment of madness. Despite West Brom’s defensive composure, Wez Price deemed it necessary to chase down a player into his own D and attempt a wild tackle. The umpire pointed straight for a penalty corner and Price was fortunate that was all. The visitors capitalised from the corner and the two sides went into the break with the score level. 

 

In the second half West Brom picked up where they left off, playing good, passing hockey and defending extremely well. Tom Davies (usually a firm centre midfield favourite) found himself at full back and never looked out of place. With an assist in the first half from the right flank, he evened things up this half with an assist from the left. Taking the 16 yard hit, Davies had limited options. With a pinpoint pass he found Wez Price, in the centre circle. The club’s top goal scorer turned his marker, dribbled through the defence and lifted the ball over the oncoming goalkeeper. 

 

The goal came midway through the half and at 2-1 the game was still evenly matched. Finchfield piled on the pressure, searching for an equaliser but the home defence performed heroically. The whole team defended well as a unit and put the visitors under pressure, all over the pitch.

The third and final goal came when Mark Jones put the Finchfield left-back under pressure, causing him to slip and lose possession. Jones then crossed the ball in to Pete Icke, who slipped the ball underneath the keeper. 

 

The game finished 3-1, in what was an evenly contested and enjoyable game. It was potentially the best performance by West Brom 3rds, this season. If they continue to play this well, promotion could be a distinct possibility. 

 

Both teams also paid their respects to former player and club member Amo Sian, who sadly passed away earlier this month. The teams honoured Amo with a minutes applause, prior to the push back.

 

Man of the match - Tom Davies.

A versatile player that can play well in any position required. Tom looked a natural full back today on both flanks and picked up two assists.