England Hockey Men’s Veterans Cup Round 2

9.11.08

 

Bolton 0 (0)  v  Charnwood Mountsorrel  4 (2)

 

 

Charnwood Mountsorrel travelled to a rain-lashed Bolton for this second round tie.

 

They established early control over an experienced home side and, but for good goalkeeping and some wayward finishing, would have got on the scoreboard in the opening minutes.  Having set the tempo, the Charnwood midfield continued to create chances and it was striker Steve Fairbrother, in his first season with the club, who opened the scoring thanks to a somewhat fortuitous deflection off a defender.

 

Mark Weaver doubled the score before half-time, finishing off a sweeping move started deep in the Charnwood half.  This was due reward for some lovely interplay, especially when the home side tired towards the end of the period.

 

The second half continued with Charnwood in control, able to dictate play and create further chances.  However, the form of the Bolton keeper was terrific and he made several top-quality saves to deny the visitors.  It was Ross Merrick who eventually broke the spell, scoring neatly after Weaver put him into space in the circle.  With the Charnwood defence largely untroubled, it was left to Paddy Oakman to complete the scoring by converting after another delightful length-of-the-field move.

 

The match ended on a sad note as one of the umpires fell awkwardly and appeared to suffer partial concussion.  Charnwood’s own ‘Doctor in the House’ Kevin Stanton-King was able to assist the ailing umpire and everyone at the club wishes him well.

 

Charnwood enjoyed the post-match hospitality provided by the Bolton side rather more than the stormy trip home to the Midlands.

 

Squad:

Mick Barlow (GK), Ed Allen, Dave Allen, Paul Carter, Tony Kirk, Tony McKee, Ross Merrick,

Paddy Oakman, Kevin Stanton-King, Mark Taylor, Chris Waterfield (c), Mark Weaver, Steve Fairbrother.