Winning ways against Neath despite bad start (From Penarth Times)

Winning ways against Neath despite bad start

PENARTH Men's Hockey Club First Eleven returned to their winning ways last Saturday against Neath - despite the first half starting poorly for Penarth with the team conceding a goal after ten minutes.

Despite an equaliser from Chris Sims, Neath scored a further two goals before James Kidby slotted home at the end of the half to leave the score at 3-2.

A stern half-time talk from skipper David Stevens worked wonders and Penarth came out a changed team.

The constant pressure resulted in a flurry of goals with only a single breakaway goal for Neath.

The final score was 9-4 to Penarth with goals from Chris Sims (3), James Kidby (3), Govind Varsani, Dave Watkins and Simon Hebson.

Man of the Match was Chris Sims.

Penarth Second XI undertook the long journey to play Pembrokeshire Firsts who dominated the first half with Penarth unable to adapt to their long ball game.

Despite heroics from keeper Ben Jewess, including a fine save from a penalty stroke, Penarth conceded a goal late in the half. Penarth began to adapt in the second half snatching an early equaliser thanks to Chris McCarthy.

They continued to press forward but were hit on the break by two quick goals from Pembrokeshire.

Penarth came close on several occasions but were thwarted by the efforts of the veteran Pembrokeshire keeper.

A final late break led to a fourth goal for the home team giving the final score line of 4-1, somewhat flattering to the home side and not reflecting Penarth's dominance of the second half.

Man of the Match was Matthew Jones.

Penarth Third XI also travelled to Pembrokeshire to take on their Seconds.

Penarth were forced to reshape their team following the early yellow carding of James Davies.

With veteran Nick Pratt, who was making his comeback after two months out through injury, moving back to sweeper, the team continued to play a constructive and positive style of hockey and to pressurise Pembrokeshire.

Pembroke, who had started strongly, took a 1-0 lead after 15 minutes.

Penarth worked their way into the game and equalised after a cross from James Docherty was converted by Jeremy Evans.

A similar move saw Penarth lead 2-1 at half time.

Penarth's midfield continued to press forward in the second half whilst the defence, ably marshalled by Man of the Match Richard Bromley, coped well as Pembroke pressed for an equaliser.

Close to the end of the half, Penarth put the result beyond doubt when Tom Parkinson rounded off a fine flowing move to finally see off their Pembroke rivals and record their first win of the season.