Oban Hockey Club move closer to winning league title
Hillhead Oban
West District Men’s Div 4
OBAN men’s hockey team met second placed Hillhead VIIs in what could prove to be a crucial encounter in pursuit of the Division 4 title. Having lost 1-4 earlier in the season Oban knew this would be a tough test and so the first 20 minutes proved to be.
Hillhead had a blend of experienced, skilful players with a number of juniors. Early on in the game there was little difference between the teams with Oban perhaps being a little nervous of the Hillhead potential. Team Played Points Oban 10 22 Hillhead 9 15 Giffnock 10 13 Ayr 9 11 Dumfries 8 9 East Kilbride 9 3 Clydesdale 9 2 The tension was broken by Jack Johnson, one of five juniors in the squad, directing a drilled pass into the net at the far post. Text book hockey.
The first half ended with Oban 1-0 up, but this was how it was in the first meeting so the team knew that all the good work could be easily undone.
The bitter easterly wind and snow flurries were encouragement enough for the players to keep moving and Oban began the second half in fine, fluid form passing the ball quickly and accurately.
Within 10 minutes, Asher Petit and Stuart Head had pushed Oban further ahead. Oban looked the stronger team although Andy Head the goalkeeper was infinitely more involved as he had his one touch of the ball all game. He later quipped that he had to brush the cobwebs from his stick – a testament to the solid Oban defence.
The development and improvement of the team since the first encounter was clearly demonstrated.
A solid cohesive performance topped off by a goal from team captain Ali Burton. Just desserts as he had worked tirelessly for the whole game.
Man of the match went to Jenson Binnie, one of Oban’s juniors – new to hockey this season – who has grown hugely in confidence and ability: an excellent solid game.
The final whistle blew and Oban had won this critical game 0-4. Mathematically one win from the final two games will ensure Oban are league champions.
The next game is against bottom of the table Clydesdale, but given the 4-3 result in November Oban know this could be a close game. Chickens are not being counted yet.