PENARTH Hockey Club’s 2nd XI will get the return leg of their Davis Wood Hockey League campaign underway this weekend looking to continue a four-game unbeaten streak.

Neath ‘A’ 2-2 Penarth ‘A’

The enlarged De Cymru 2 division ensured a late finish to part one of the seconds’ season, with a trip to the Neath valleys for a mid-table clash with the local side.

Once again without a recognised goalkeeper, the team knew that a strong defensive effort would be required to remain in contention for the full 70 minutes but, led by James Davies, produced a committed first half performance that left debutant Lewis Harrison with very little to do between the sticks.

Despite seemingly being able to push forward at will, Penarth again suffered their usual profligacy in front of goal, with the frustration gradually seeping back into their build-up play, which drifted from constructive passing to ‘hit-and-hope’ long balls and allowed the home defence to become more comfortable.

Harrison having to pull off one sharp save from a Neath penalty corner appeared to be a wake-up call to Penarth, who regrouped for one last push before the break. They were rewarded when Tom Parkinson slid in bravely to convert a Dave Watkins cross under pressure from the home goalkeeper.

While going into the interval one goal to the good was a boost for the visitors, they knew it would not be enough to see off a determined home side, and Neath underlined the threat with a reply shortly after the resumption of play. A second goal, which flew between the heads of Harrison and another defender, turned the game on its head, and left Penarth trailing largely against the run of play.

Buoyed by their comeback, Neath began to exert greater pressure on the visitors’ goal, where Harrison belied his complete lack of goalkeeping experience by pulling off some impressive saves to keep his side in the match.

With the hosts going for the kill and Penarth looking for a late equaliser, the final period of the game became the most open of all, with play switching quickly from end to end. It was the visitors who had the final say; however, with Watkins converting from a tight angle to bring the scores level and ensure what was probably the right result for both sides.

A second successive 2-2 draw on the back of wins over Whitchurch and Bridgend ensured that Penarth went into the Christmas break unbeaten in four games – a personal record of late. However, hostilities resume a week earlier than normal with a home game against another mid-table rival, Llanishen and Caerphilly ‘B’ this weekend. The sides ground out a rare 0-0 draw earlier in the season, but know that full points will be vital to kick-start the second half of the season. The 1st XI remains on hiatus for another week before hosting Cardiff and Met ‘C’ on January 17.

Penarth Hockey Club always welcomes new, old and returning players, umpires, supporters, friends and helpers regardless of age and ability. Training takes place on the artificial turf at Barry Sport Centre every Wednesday, with the Juniors in action between 6-7pm and Senior between 7-8pm.

Further information can be obtained from club secretary Dave Stevens at d_stevens81@hotmail.co.uk.