Firsts are out of luck as Ramblers secure the points in season-opener

Deeside Ramblers IV 4

Runcorn I 2 RUNCORN Hockey Club men’s first-team made the short trip to Tarporley to begin their North West Hockey League Division Four South campaign against divisional stalwarts Deeside.

Starting this season under new captain Gary Looker, Runcorn took a much-changed side to their local rivals with youngsters Jake Fitzsimmons and Cameron Challoner stepping into the team from solid pre-season performances along with the return of journeyman Mike Jones all bringing a fresh look to the side.

Runcorn started the opening half poorly and struggled to get a grip on the game.

This was mostly caused by lack of playing time together and Deeside fielding a strong line-up due to players returning from injuries who would be representing higher teams were they fully fit.

Within 10 minutes Runcorn trailed by two goals scored in quick succession by the home team.

This led to Looker ringing the changes tactically as he aimed to solidify the defence for the remainder of the game and look to create chances on the counterattack.

With the alterations Runcorn started to grow into the game and create opportunities with Chris Maher and Joe Cooper working well down the right flank using their pace to cause the home defence problems.

This led to a number of short-corner chances that Runcorn attempted to capitalise upon. However, they found the home goalkeeper to be on top form and he kept the visitors at bay.

Runcorn managed to break their way into the game after some great solo work from Ruan Pretorius. After taking possession of the ball on the 23m line, he beat three defenders before crashing a super shot into the bottom corner of the net taking the visitors into the break with growing confidence they would achieve a positive result from the contest.

Upon the restart, Runcorn showed their intent creating numerous chances garnered from the excellent work of Challoner and Fitzsimmons.

Both players showed their creativity advancing upfield meaning the forward line kept the pressure on their opponents’ rearguard.

As Runcorn chased the game in search of an equaliser, Deeside were becoming reliant on using their experience going forward. And only the good work of new defensive partners Allan Watt and Ben McKay and debutant goalkeeper Corey Lever managed to keep the deficit to one goal.

Runcorn found the going tough in the latter stages of the half as Maher was sin-binned for a foul on the Deeside forward that left them down to 10 players.

It was in this period that Deeside managed to increase their lead via some fine forward play to 3-1.

With time running out, Runcorn gambled and managed to bring the game back to within one goal after good play by Kyle Ludlow and Pretorius found Cooper at the back post to slot in a close- range finish.

With the visitors chasing the point and committing men forward gaps began to appear within their defence.

And with barely a minute remaining, Deeside secured the points after a long clearance from defence found the club’s veteran forward in acres of space who was able to draw the lone Runcorn defender to then feed the runner to slot home past Lever who had rushed out to close down the angle.

Runcorn’s man-of-the-match honour went to Pretorius whose constant threat going forward caused all sorts of problems for the Deeside defence and was rewarded with a fine individual goal

Runcorn face Sandbach’s first-team at home on Saturday and will look to secure their first points of the campaign.