Mens 1XI Vs UWE

J. Cook (PC)

The torrential weather falling throughout warmup and the first 20 minutes of the opening BUCS fixture perhaps played as a distraction for the, only 12 man squad as before they had blinked 3 50/50 balls on the half way lined had been pinched leaving simple training ground 3v1 & 3v2 plays for UWE to take a quick lead.

Despite this however a strong minded Plymouth managed to hold their own up to half time so we could re-assess the plan of attack. The rain eased and a simplier and easier 10 minutes of calm and collected hockey opened out from the team in blue created several chances which looked to threaten the UWE goal. Unfortunately however lighting struck again, but this time not on the Plymouth net. A great back tracking shave tackle from Josh White left him on the ball peeling away when one of the opposition seemed to trip over his own feet and land on White's ankle, twisted it and putting him out of the remainder of the game. Bad news for the now bare 11 squad chasing down a 3 goal lead.

Captain Rob Clowes then had to step up to the mark in midfield, replacing White and continued his hard work to lift his team. Ignoring the player shortaged and the injured man on the sideline Plymouth press on and continue to create more chances and won a handful of penalty corners. Some slick plays but good saves from the UWE keeper kept the score a 3-0. Eventually comes a break through leaving James Cook with an empty net a couple of yards out to get Plymouth off the mark is sqaundered as he hits the side netting! With players generating early season injuries but no changes available they solider on with particular soliering done by Dan Palomeque, Sammy Kasto and George Bissett who grit teeth and win another corner. Success follows when Rob Clowes flicks from the top into the keeper, rebound falls to James Cook to redeems himself by flicking in the ball from close range.

10 minutes remain and Plymouth continue to knock on the door as the legs continue to tire, and most evident when the home side break through and win a corner despite the best efforts of netminder Joe Edwards. UWE confidently flick home to increase the lead once more and seal the victory at 4-1.

Lots to learn but also lots to take from a performance which on another day could easily be the other way round. Looking forward to the return leg.