8th Dec 2018 Mens 3rd v Ben Rhydding 4(Home) 3 - 0 win
After defeat in the 'away' fixture against the 4ths, the 3rds knew that another defeat would leave the 4ths above is in the table over the Christmas period. We knew we had to match the intensity they had shown against us to get a result.
The team did just this and pressed the 4s hard, playing the game predominantly in their half and building good pressure. Eventually the breakthrough came midway through the first half as Priestley made a clever run to open up some space at the top right of the D for a shot. With Hagan in goal for the 4ths expecting Priestley to drill a hard shot to the near post, Priestley cleverly completely scuffed his shot and sent it bobbling into the left corner.
The 3rds had chances to extend the lead, Horsman hitting a short corner millimetres wide and then on the stroke of half time, Higgitt nicked a ball off Horsman senior on the half way line to run unopposed to the area, but as keeper Hagan came out, Higgitt misplaced his pass to Young for what would have been an easy tap in.
At the other end, the 4ths looked dangerous. Horsman Junior brilliantly kept out a goal bound short corner from Horsman Senior, for which he received some unsavoury comments, and Will Hatton was inches away from scoring a goal of the season candidate as he side-stepped two defenders before sending a thumping shot just over.
In the second half, the 3rds continued to keep the tempo up and dominate possession and territory. 4th team attacks were quickly snuffed out by the ever alert defence who all had great games. Hughes made a goal line clearance at a short to keep us in the lead and soon after, Young gave us a cushion with an audacious reverse stick deflection with his back to goal which bobbled under the keeper after a great flowing move down the left.
Caldwell in his last game for the club was desperate to score a trademark drag flick at a short corner and looked like his wish might be granted only for Hagan to pull off an incredible diving save with his stick.
With a couple of minutes to go, we got our third goal after another searing move down the left. Higgitt's initial shot was saved by Hagan but the rebound fell kindly and with Higgitt and Hagan sprawled on the floor, the ball was passed to Horsman for a tap in.
A great performance and great game all round, played competitively but in good spirit in atrocious weather conditions. Special thanks should be given to the umpires for handling the match and the weather.
There were no weak performances anywhere in the team. Dunn and Bretherick were solid at the back and brought the ball out of defence authoritatively and used it well.. Our talisman Hudson controlled midfield and Priestley worked hard at left midfield to cut off 4th team breaks. Rayner also dominated possession and created problems with his powerful runs through midfield. And once again Young and Cussons worked tirelessly to pressure the back line. Caldwell played some exhibition style hockey with his trademark aerials and fired delivery into the D. But man of the match this week goes to Mark Horsman for a solid, combative performance in midfield together with his goalline clearance and his deserved goal at the end.
Finally, that was Josh Caldwell's last game for the club before he moves to Cyprus. We wish him the best. Josh said that after playing for decades at Harrogate, he loved the camaraderie of the club and the team and wished he'd moved over years before. Something for BRHC to be proud of.
Right, that's it for 2018. Have a great festive period and see you all fresh-faced and eager to put in a performance like that one on 12th January 2019.