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 Dick Morgan reports...
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27.09.03
Midland Express were left to rue lost opportunities after going down 3-1 to North Harbour at the Gallagher Hockey Centre on Saturday. North Harbour enjoyed a wealth of possession in the opening stanzas,and the locals were called upon to absorb a tonne of pressure,before succumbing to a goal in the eighth minute when 150 test veteran,Darren Smith slipped through in a classy dribble to slam the ball into the goal. North Harbour continued to dominate possession,but Midland began to gain confidence,and were showing they were happy to compete with a team containing six past or present Internationals. Midland managed to get to the visitors’ circle,but two unsuccessful penalty corners did little to help the cause. North Harbour continued to pound the Midland circle,but outstanding saves by Keeper Dean Armstrong and rock solid defence from Brad Shaw nullified the attacks. The second half started with Midland attacking the North Harbour circle,and local hopes were raised when an early penalty corner was awarded,but unfortunately Richard Petherick couldn’t get his drag flick to fire, and Harbour were able to clear.North Harbour’s counter attacking was very fast,with controlled passing and Midland were hard pressed to hold out. Midland came back and should have scored, but poor leading and shot selection allowed Noth harbour to clear. Luke Emerson then forced his way into the circle, but failed to convert a golden opportunity when it was presented. Moments later Emerson was taken out by Harbour ‘Keeper, James Igason, and the resultant penalty stroke was netted by Emerson. A cruel blow was dealt to Midland when after a strong raid on the North Harbour circle Igason propelled the ball forward into the face of Midland’s Shaw. What appeared to be an attacking penalty corner was instead a free hit to Harbour. They broke away at speed and Shaun Barnett, David Kosoof and Blair Hopping linked for the latter to regain the lead for his team. A last minute penalty corner to North Harbour, which Brett Leaver converted sealed the match. |
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