19th March 2022
Swansea 3 [1-3] Bristol & West 2
Report by: Colm McManamon
Our sunny trip to seaside Swansea started off well with a solid warm up and Si's positive only hockey mantra running through us.
We applied good early pressure with Swansea getting a green card, giving us an important upper hand, and although we didn't capitalise with a goal, we still looked to be in control.
As the first half progressed we started to control the game and try to play slower hockey with us only having 1 substitute. A Swansea short corner led to them taking the lead with lucky goal (with a hint of deflection off a strikers foot) into the bottom corner before the sound of the half time whistle.
As has proven vital many times throughout the season, we re-grouped and analysed our performance, discussing how we could change and improve. We stepped back onto the pitch and adapted our game to perfectly dominate Swansea, cutting out their through balls and countering quickly.
After several early forays into the opposition D, the awarding of a penalty flick presented an opportunity for us to get a foothold back in the game. Nevin stepped up, hoping all his practice would pay dividends. A loud roar erupted from Bristol and West as Oli Nevin flicked the ball into the left side-netting. This goal under pressure, along with his solid play controlling the game from deep, assured a deserved Man of the Match award.
We followed on with many counter attacks, looking dangerous every time. Joe John finally allowed us to breathe a sign of relief as he danced round the opposing keeper and hitting a strong reverse into the goal.
As Swansea pressed high for an equaliser, space behind their defence provided more opportunities for B&W counter attacks. With 10 minutes left on the clock, Alex Law added to his tally for the season to secure the victory.
An all round enjoyable trip to the seaside and most importantly, 3 points taken home.
MoM: Oli Nevin
DoD: Colm McManamon
Goals: Oli Nevin - 1, Joe John - 1, Alex Law - 1