MEN’S 1ST XI
Words: Alex Cowell
Oppo: Blackheath & Elthamian 2, Home
Final Score: W 9-1
Goalscorers: Dan Vinson (3), Isaac Dilkes (2), Alex Cowell, Ned Naisbitt, Harry Harrison, Archie Bates.
Cliftonville men’s ones had another Saturday night under the lights match against Blackheath men’s twos.
The game started well with even play throughout for both teams and the boys in red having some chances at goal where they tested the keeper.
It wasn’t long before the deadlock was broken with Dan Vinson popping up with a goal eight minutes into the game scoring a nicely, worked goal wrong footing the keeper and slipping it home. This is followed very quickly by a goal scored by Dilkes who has become a regular on the score sheet of recent weeks. The boys were hungry for more with sustained pressure from the front line, not allowing Blackheath the opportunity to test the keeper.
The boys stole the ball high up the pitch earning a short corner. The third goal came from Alex Cowell from the earned penalty corner which nutmegged the goalkeeper. The team went into the halftime break, cruising at 3-0 the better. The halftime talk from on the day Captain Dan Vinson was that of composure and ensuring that we continue to perform in the same way in the second half to get the job done.
Feeling that a three-goal lead was too much of a headstart for the second half, Tom decided to use his foot instead of his hockey stick which subsequently led to a two-minute rest on the bench in the form of a green card. However, the halftime team talk clearly struck home as three goals were scored in quick succession of less than five minutes from Dan Vinson who scored two completing his hattrick of the game and a very nicely worked goal for Ned
A momentary lapse in concentration opened up the defensive line and allowed Blackheath a glimmer of hope with a nicely deflected shot at goal making the score 6-1
This was quickly crushed by Harry who popped up later on with a really well worked goal from supporting act Oscar.
Fresh off his return from South Africa, Archie Bates returned to the squad and made his mark known by dispatching a reverse stick goal into the top left near post stunning both his teammates and the opposition.
Any team would’ve been happy with an 8-1 result, but not for the home team as in the last minute of the game, Harry popped up with a final goal from an assist fresh off the plane bates in buildup play from Isaac rounding the game off 9-1
The men’s ones go into the final game of the first half the season second in the league with high hopes of maintaining the pressure for top spot
WOMEN’S 2ND XI
Words: Cheryl Macer
Oppo: Holcombe 5, Home
Final Score: W 1-0
Goalscorers: Chloe Kingsland
On a drizzly, cold afternoon, Cliftonville Women’s 2s stepped onto the pitch with one clear mission: secure all three points. The team started brightly, showing intent from the whistle, and it didn’t take long for their pressure to pay off.
Just four minutes in, a superb cross from Cat found Chloe perfectly placed in the D, and she fired home the opening goal to give Cliftonville an early lead.
Cliftonville maintained the momentum throughout the first half, applying relentless pressure and linking up with some excellent team play. Despite dominating possession, the score remained 1–0 at the break.
After a positive team talk, Cliftonville came out firing once again. They earned multiple short corners and kept Holcombe’s defence under constant strain, but the visitors’ goalkeeper pulled off several key saves to keep her side in the game. Cliftonville continued to push until the final whistle, but no further goals came—and the match ended in a well-earned 1–0 victory.
With spirits high, the team headed back to the clubhouse for food, Secret Santa, and an evening of celebrations at the Two’s Christmas do.
Woman of the Match: A rare five-way tie—Julie, Arabella, Everyone, Kerry, and Sally all shared the honour after strong performances across the pitch.
Donkey of the Day: This one could only go to Julie—who was a little discombobulated by arriving early and surprising everyone (including herself!) in the process.
A great win, great energy, and a great way to kick off the festive celebrations.
MEN’S 2ND XI
Words: James Perks
Oppo: Bexleyheath & Belvedere 2, Away
Final Score: W 7-0
Goalscorers: David Hooper, Adam Sidders, James Perks, Simon Hooper (2), Jonathan Kay, Matthew Bates
A horrible 4pm away game in Bexleyheath awaited us this week.
Another fast start was demanded in the pre-game team talk which had worked well for us in the last three games. Three wins in a row and chasing a fourth in our penultimate game before the Xmas break.
The fast start was duly delivered, the press and intensity of everything Ville did had Bexleyheath worried from the off.
Hoops got the scoreboard rolling for us after just 5 minutes with a well taken effort.
Five minutes later we doubled our lead when Hoops played a through ball through to Sidders who merged the keeper and made it 2-0.
The third came in the 20th minute, Sidders received the ball on the right and drove to the baseline and slipped the ball to Perks who tucked it home to make it 3-0.
Ville continued to press for more and made it 4-0 before half time when Simon rifled home with a reverse stick effort giving the keeper no chance.
The first half came to a close, Ville had totally dominated the opposition from start to finish. The desire and passion shown by every single person was amazing, the buildup and link up play was some of the best hockey we have played all season. Despite this, the message was clear, the levels do not drop and we go and beat them in the 2nd half now.
Within 10 minutes Ville extended their lead further, Simon, on the left wing fired a ball across the D and found JK who managed to slot it home (this time ) to make it 5-0.
Half way through the 2nd half, we finally managed to take advantage of one of our short corners. Perks struck it from the top, the defender on the line managed to stop it but Matt Bates to somehow squeeze it in to make it 6-0.
There was still time for one more, with one reverse stick effort already to his name, Simon managed to score another one which was arguably even better to round it off with a 7-0 win.
Once again, every single person played their part. After today’s win we move up to 2nd and a home fixture against our nearest rivals, Canterbury, next week before a few weeks break.
MOTM – Max, who recently turned 50 and in only his 2nd game back, had a stonking game at centre back. Nothing was getting past him and his distribution was spot on.
DOD – JK – we all know why
