Ravens leave it too late for comeback after giving away early goal
GOCREA8 HOCKEY LEAGUE ROSS-ON- WYE ............. 2 BRIDGEND ..................... 1
BRIDGEND paid the price for giving Ross-on-Wye an early two-goal start during this mid-table showdown in De Cymru & The Marches One, writes Tony Poole.
It proved pivotal in the outcome against a Ross team that was sprinkled with youth team members.
With the risk of a rout unfolding, captain Ga- reth Coleman rallied the troops and gradually focus returned to their game.
Jonny Woodward and Rob Evans formed a shield of confidence at the back, and the game became more physical.
Coleman went close to pulling a goal back before being unceremoniously dumped, but it did lead to the Ravens winning a succession of short corners.
Eventually, Rhys Owen slipped the ball to Timmy Hodges who fired a shot to the goalkeeper’s left – and Bridgend Town cricketer Thomas Pearce provided a goal poacher’s touch.
During the second period, Bridgend went close to equalising with some crackers from the Jacobs’ brothers – Timmy and Jacob – almost getting Bridgend a reward.
Ultimately, every attacking avenue surfaced, but it failed to prevent a seventh league defeat for the seventh-placed Ravens.
The next away league trip for Bridgend this Saturday takes them to Bristol & West.
DE CYMRU ONE CARDIFF & MET F ....... 4 BRIDGEND A ................. 3
BRIDGEND A fell further behind long-time leaders Cardiff University B after losing this seven-goal clash in the capital.
Bridgend now trail the Students by eight points – both sides have completed 14 matches – and the odds of them making up lost ground now appear remote.
A Rhodri Owen owngoal made for an impoverished start, but he made amends in assisting a Jonny Rubery equaliser.
Jason Arnold was next on the scoresheet for the Ravens while a 3-3- interval scoreline was down to another sizzling Bridgend equaliser. Steve Murphy, Paul Davies and Andrew Jones all lent input before Arnold doubled his goal tally on the day.
During the second half, though Bridgend seized a higher percentage of possession, it was the Students who carved out a last-gasp winner.
Bridgend will now look to get back on track at home to Whitchurch C on Saturday.
DE CYMRU TWO BRIDGEND B ................. 6 NEATH ............................ 1
BRIDGEND B pulled off their best league win of the season in hitting Neath for six.
Following a tough encounter the week before, losing 8-0 against tabletopping Cardiff University C, the Ravens were flying high from the outset and went on to control the game. Captain Jonny Murphy took to a target man role, holding the ball up well and spraying out some telling passes.
Fellow attack leader Matt Daly also performed admirably, opening the scoring and having another rubbed out. Jonny Wilks and Rhydian Lewis ruled the roost in midfield while at the back, none did better than Tony Price.
During the second period, Bridgend were in unstoppable form and right-back Mike Hodges was afforded attacking options.
Next up for Bridgend B on Saturday week is a home league fixture against Whitchurch E.
SOUTH WALES WOMENS LEAGUE WHITCHURCH VALLEYS .......................................... 4 BRIDGEND SECONDS .. 0
BRIDGEND Seconds fielded a new-look team against Whitchurch Valleys, following the long festive season break.
With the newcomers busy finding their feet at this level, the home side were busy scoring four goals. Having played musical chairs at half time with players swapping positions, Bridgend found more rhythm from that point on.
Goal-scoring chances were created that went begging, but all in all hockey guru Emily Phillips has got something to hang her hat on.
Bridgend Seconds face Cardiff University this Saturday.
Meanwhile, Bridgend Ladies Firsts lost 4-0 against Cardiff University, and on Saturday they entertain Presteigne.