M1 v Bexleyheath & Belvedere 1
Score 5-0
Goalscorers – Isaac Dilkes, Oscar Percival, Josh Tutton, Ned Naisbitt, James Provins
Words Dan Mees
Cliftonville Cruise to 5–0 Victory Over BBHC
Cliftonville Men’s 1s were back at home this weekend, taking on Bexleyheath & Belvedere in what turned out to be a dominant display from start to finish.
Ville came out firing, setting the tempo early and keeping BBHC pinned in their own half. The breakthrough came via Isaac, who bundled home a scrappy short corner to open the scoring. Oscar followed up with a composed finish, and Josh added a third before the break — giving Cliftonville a comfortable 3–0 lead at halftime.
The second half saw more of the same: Ville controlling possession, creating chances, and barely giving BBHC a sniff. Ned extended the lead with a cool finish, and Provins capped things off with a well-taken goal to make it five.
A complete performance from Cliftonville – solid at the back, clinical up front, and barely a chance conceded. With momentum building, Ville will be looking to continue to carry this form into the next fixture.
M2 v Holcombe 6
Score 0-2
Words James Perks
After a week off last weekend, we were back in action. An away fixture against Holcombe awaited us, which would be a tough fixture as they currently sit 2nd in the league.
A closely fought encounter in the 1st half, with Ville just edging it and playing some lovely hockey. We were unlucky to not head into the break 1-0. Hoops had a brilliant mazy run past a couple of defenders, took it wide round the keeper and slipped it across to Ollie who just put it the wrong side of the goal. A great move, we went into the break 0-0 and had rarely been challenged at the back.
Mid way through the 2nd half, Holcombe were awarded a dubious penalty corner. The umpire at the other end of the pitch clearly saw the ‘backing in’ infringement and went to advise the umpire who had awarded the corner, he refused to overturn the decision. Holcombe took full advantage and managed to squeeze a shot in through the post man. 1-0 Holcombe.
Holcombe managed to score a 2nd before the final whistle, when a deflected dribble/shot looped up and over Hughes.
Disappointing to lose. A good debrief after and things to work on in training on Tuesday ready to host top of the league and undefeated Gravesham next weekend.
M3 v Knole Park Development
Score 6-0
Goalscorers Noah Soames, Alex Austerberry (x3), Archie Sellwood-Adams, Asa Foster-Troy
Words Noah Soames
For Cliftonville 3s versus Knole Park, it was a late 4:00pm pushback for the development sides. Off the back of a strong performance, Ville were looking to continue their run of form against a new opponent. A match under the lights at the home ground gave a great backdrop for a very vocal crowd for both supporters.
It was a tentative start for the home side which gave Ville some early pressure to deal with. The visitors clearly had some talented players on the pitch, giving Ville something to think about. It seemed like the skilful visitors might be a bit of a handful, no better way to deal with this than an early goal for the home side. With Henry running down the wing, searching for opportunities, he played a low driven cross to the top of the D where Noah lifted it over the stick of one defender and then drilled it into the bottom corner past the keeper for 1-0, a brilliant finish. This settled the team into their stride.
Soon after the opening goal, Aron snapped an on target shot at the edge of the D which found Alex who with a bit of goal thievery, tapped it home to make sure! 2-0. With excellent link up plays from the midfield, Aron and Elliot brought quick delivery to Noah and Henry on the wings. This was beginning to stretch Knole and open up the park. The repeated aerials were absorbed by Ville’s defence which closed down the opponent’s attack. Ville returned the threat putting some quick balls into the opposition’s D only to be capitalised on again by Alex for his second.
Into the break with a clear advantage, still gave no room for complacency in the captain’s half-time talk. There were still some rumblings from the talented visitors who were getting frustrated with the score. These rumblings progressed to a series of short corners for Ville to defend. Martin rose to the occasion and kept his goal from falling. The lines cleared from Ed to Paddy. Kit found Noah and the ball passed to Elliot, Dylan’s unselfish pass to Asa who found the back of the net and the youngsters had made their statement…. 4-0. Movement and support were the keys to this performance and another chance fell to Alex who on the reverse stick lifted the ball beautifully over the keeper’s head for a special hat-trick on his squad debut. At 5-0, Ed and Jude were punching forward with some runs of their own. Archie couldn’t help himself and just had to lay one down! ‘With great power comes great… goals’ he pushed it home to complete a fantastic team performance to make it 6-0. It wasn’t the score that was impressive but the attitude and steady confidence. ‘Up The Ville!!’
W1 v Tunbridge Wells 3
Score 3-0
Goalscorers Kat O’Hara, Maddie Morgan, Vicky Bates
W2 v Bromley & Beckenham 4
Score 1-1
Goalscorers Sally Maiden-Tilsen
Words Cat Doherty
After a cohesive warm-up, Ville were slow off the mark and conceded a goal in the 3rd minute from a Brombecks break. Safe to say, that woke us up, and we started to play hockey. Our play levelled up, and we held them in the middle of the field but sadly, the breaks just weren’t happening.
The half time team-talk was positive, and with some extra words from the Captain’s hubby. With an added latecomer, we made some subs and went out strong.
We absolutely dominated the second half with better tackles, better opportunities, and a bucketful of short corners going in our favour. Three of which had one of the oppo sent to the half way line because a player ran back early. Eventually in the 47th minute, Sally broke the deadlock and barrelled one through their defence.
After that we had another few chances, pinning them in firmly in their half. Sadly, no further goals were getting through.
No loss though, so our unbeaten streak continues.
MOM – Sally
DOD – Cheryl, for confusing her Hannahs.
Next week, we’re away at Burnt Ash – let’s keep the streak alive!
