Hockey: Finishing power has Acomb Men’s I in a spin (From York Press)

Hockey: Finishing power has Acomb Men’s I in a spin

11:12am Wednesday 3rd October 2012 in Sport

Acomb Hockey Club Men’s I are still looking for their first win of the Yorkshire League division four season after a 2-0 defeat at Ben Rhydding IV.

The Tangerines had their chances to score, forcing several penalty corners, but they were unable match the finishing of their hosts.

Having made a slow start, Acomb almost gifted Ben Rhydding the opening goal when a loose free-hit went straight to the opposition.

The Tangerines went close when a fine dribble by man of the match Carl Brindley ended with a shot that looped onto the crossbar and away to safety.

Harry Ellis and Pete Hilton also had forays against the home defence.

Acomb conceded midway through the half when Ben Rhydding’s left winger went along the byline and squeezed the ball past ’keeper Craig Brown.

In the second half, Acomb put pressure on the home side but their final ball lacked accuracy.

The home side had chances from corners but Dave Bell, Paul Kellet and David Brown made strong tackles.

Eventually the hosts’ pressure told and they forced the ball home from a rebound.

Acomb Men’s II were 2-1 winners at home to Leeds Adel Carnegie in Yorkshire League division six north.

The Tangerines dominated the opening 20 minutes, but the visitors took the lead on 25 minutes when debutant ’keeper Pat Bourque was left exposed by a mix-up.

Man of the match Paul Wicker levelled with a sweet shot from the top of the ‘D’ that rattled the backboard to bring the scores level before half-time.

The second half was full of chances but the Tangerines made the decisive breakthrough when Rob Kendrew found the net from close range after good work from Dave Timmins and the in-form Wicker.

Acomb Ladies I lost 4-1 at City of York III in Yorkshire League division three, leaving them with two defeats from their opening two matches of the season.

The Tangerines started well, buoyed by some great runs from Hannah Yoward up front, backed by Kerry Woods and Jenna Allinson.

However, ’keeper Sarah Milburn was beaten twice in the first half as City of York took control.

Acomb pulled one goal back after the break when a free-hit outside the ‘D’ was taken quickly by player of the match Georgi Wood and moved to Yoward on the right.

She found Kerry Woods in the ‘D’, who produced an excellent finish.

Any hope of an Acomb comeback was shortlived as City of York added two more goals to their tally.