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Photos: Nicole Sorlie
A battle of attrition on the JLD ended in Halifax finally overcoming a resilient Alcuin side 2-1 in this week’s college hockey. For Halifax this was there first competitive match of the season after cancellations, whilst Alcuin had started the season in terrible fashion by first failing to field a side against Goodricke, and then suffering a 10-1 hammering at the hands of Vanbrugh last week.
This week an inexperienced Alcuin team, made primarily of freshers and missing key players to university duties, were hampered by being a player short, whilst Halifax had the luxury of five or six substitutes and a host of experienced university players. Indeed Halifax are expected to be one of the strongest sides again this year, but they were made to work hard for victory today.
In terms of territory and possession it was a one sided encounter, as Halifax dominated from the start, moving the ball around nicely, and controlling the tempo of the contest. Alex Francis and Isaac Barker were dictating play from the centre of midfield, whilst the likes of Barnaby Spink, Hannah Boyne and Dong oh Shin were offering a constant threat in the final third.
Yet despite all of this they were unable to breakdown a dogged Alcuin back line, inspired by university players Robin Willows and Captain Dave Washington. Indeed Halifax were restricted to few clearcut chances, their most promising first half moment coming when Barker had a shot blocked on the line by the outstanding Willows.
Alcuin’s main threat was provided by Catherine O’Mahony down the right wing, but the Halifax defence were rarely tested throughout. However against the run of play Alcuin opened the scoring after 20 minutes, as Willows surged through and fired a powerful shot into the corner of the Halifax net. Incredibly as the half time whistle was blown, Alcuin held a slender lead.
The advantage didn’t last long in the second period though, as finally Halifax found an equaliser through college hockey’s version of a short corner. Barker played the ball into Spink’s path, and the forward deflected it into the bottom corner to damage Alcuin’s cause.
The pressure on Alcuin’s defence did not relent, and midway though the half Francis broke Alcuin’s resistance by drilling a powerful reverse shot into the net, to score the goal which would prove the difference between the sides. Alcuin tried to press for an equaliser, but Willows’ first half goal proved to be their only shot in the game.
As Alcuin pushed more players forward, gaps opened up in their defence, but Halifax were unable to capitalise on this and score a third goal which would have sealed their victory. Their tendency to play an excellent passing game and use the full width of the pitch strangely hindered their cause, as the more direct approach that Vanbrugh adopted last week, may well have exposed the brittleness that had previously been apparent in Alcuin’s side.
A 2-1 victory though was enough for Halifax, who will improve further as they build up match fitness over the course of the season. Halifax may have been by far the stronger of the two sides, but if the result was decided by pure graft, resilience and spirit, then Alcuin would be the team to beat this year. Their efforts must be commended for creating an excellent game of college hockey, but in the end the added skill and experience of Halifax’s players told, as they ran out victorious in an enthralling spectacle. Once more they will be one of teams to beat, and along with Goodricke, James and potentially Derwent appear to be the strongest sides in this year’s competition.
Vision MOTM: Robin Willows