West Brom's 1st XI's Shock Leek
Posted by Steve Bavington on 7 October 2018
West Bromwich 1st 3 Leek 3rds 0
6/10/18. A well-deserved first win of the season for the Black Country Giants. Straight from the delayed pushback West Bromwich were all over the opposition like a rash.
Sharp crisp passing combined with a high press led to a number of chances which were wasted by the home team.
Finally after 20 minutes the Leek defence was breached. Good play across the midfield led to an opportunity for the ever green Neil Fellows to coolly drive the ball through the on rushing goal keeper. Smart finish from an intelligent hockey player.
The Leek defence to their credit frustrated West Bromwich for the rest of the first half. HT 1-0
The second half continued in the same vein as the first with the Sandwell outfit in total dominance, but not pressing home the advantage. 55 minutes gone, finally building from midfield the second goal arrived. Alex Clarke buried his chance when it arrived with aplomb. Crisp shot through a crowded D. A well-deserved goal as Alex and his brother Tom both put in strong performances.
Leek parked the bus and seem to concentrate on not conceding more than trying to get an equaliser.
After 62 minutes the victory was assured. The West Bromwich & Black Country striker Shiv Ram Kapoor picked the ball up from 25 yards out on the left wing dribbled through a number of Leek players, broke into the D rounded the keeper and coolly slotted the chance home to score a stunner.
Due to the high press game it was not surprising that the pace dipped as fatigue started to show on the West Bromwich players. But there was still time to mention Vikesh missing an open goal from two yards out.
It was a shocker, but not to worry his team mates duly reminded him in the club house after the game - thanks for the memories Vikesh.
Fine cameo performances across the pitch. Alex White and Paul Moore led by example, Jaggy, Ethan, Alex C , Tom, Troy, Vikesh and Harry ran themselves into the ground. Goalkeeper Brad Frost who kept a well-deserved clean sheet was just a spectator for most of the game.
Roll on next week's thrilling instalment of the West Bromwich young guns continuing adventures.
Man of the match: Shiv Ram Kapoor, scoring a sensational goal, got the vote from his team mates. The whole squad put a shift in.
Rocco Mancini Club President West Bromwich Hockey Club.
