15th & 16th September
HUDDERSFIELD HOCKEY CLUB – YORKSHIRE HOCKEY ASSOCIATION 1st XI CUP
Huddersfield begun the competitive season with the Yorkshire 1st XI cup played over Saturday and Sunday in Leeds. With most of the competition being 1 or 2 rungs higher in the National Hockey Pyramid it was always set to be a real test of the new line up and an indicator of the how they would fair should they gain promotion from the Yorkshire Premier League this season.
Saturday’s round robin started with a narrow 2 – 1 defeat to York with Huddersfield enjoying most of the play and chances. A game Huddersfield should have won was decided by the higher ranked side’s more clinical finishing.
Huddersfield’s second game was a resounding win against Slazengers. Huddersfield’s new look midfield and defence boosted by five pre season signings were too much for their Northern league rivals. 1- 0 up at half time from a well worked short corner, Huddersfield were able to close out the game with two stunning efforts from Yorkshire and North of England’s Greg Moorhouse, despite a consolation from Slazengers, 3 – 1.
Qualification to the finals day was assured with a hard fought 3 – 2 victory against Leeds Carnegie Metros.
Sunday
Huddersfield met Rotherham in the semi finals. Rotherham are placed two divisions higher in Northern League division 1 but is was Huddersfield who had all the early play and should have been at least two nil up but for wasteful finishing. Rotherham showed their class with ruthless finishing scoring from their first three chances to go into the break 3 – 0 up. Huddersfield rallied in the second half with two goals but three more Rotherham goals ensured they went to the final sending Huddersfield home 6 – 2.
Overall Huddersfield will be buoyed by their performance against much stronger opposition than they will face over this league season which begins at home to Ben Rydding on Saturday, 1:30 at Lockwood Park. Five new players and the emergence of young talent at the club means Huddersfield start the season with realistic promotion hopes.
Team for YHA 1st XI cup Saturday/ Sunday 15th/16th below:
1. Paul Howarth 2. Alistair Ross 3. Adrian Hannam 4. Mike Peachey 5. Andrew Christie 6. Joey Presto 7. Clem Gregory 8. Rob Kelly (c) 9. Andrew Kaye 10. Steven Durrans 11. Greg Moorhouse 12. Edward Waterhouse 13. Martin Hirst 14. William Rogers 15. Ben Black
22nd September
Huddersfield 1st XI 2 – 1 Ben Rhydding 2nd XI
WINNING START
Huddersfield opened up their league campaign with a hard fought victory but hardly the confident performance they expected against their newly promoted rivals.
Huddersfield had much of the early possession but it was Ben Rhydding of Ilkley who scored first with a fortuitous deflected effort after a period of sustained pressure. Paul Howarth the Huddersfield goalkeeper was very sharp on a number of occasions which meant there were no further goals in the first half.
As the second half went on Huddersfield’s superior fitness began to tell and Martin Hirst was denied a clear goal by the umpire which he inexplicably disallowed. This did not deter Huddersfield and two goals, one two minutes from time, from Greg Moorhouse were enough to get the season off to a positive start.
Huddersfield’s performances will have to improve but Man of the Match Will Rogers and the other new signings have certainly added some class to a hard working and committed side who have the makings of a promotion challenging outfit.
Team: 1. Paul Howarth 2. Alistair Ross 3. Adrian Hannam 4. Mike Peachey 5. Joey Presto 6. Clem Gregory 7. Rob Kelly (c) 8. Steven Durrans 9. Greg Moorhouse 10. Edward Waterhouse 11. Simon Courntey 12. Martin Hirst 13. William Rogers
29th September
Linclon 1st XI 1 – 5 Huddersfield 1st XI
The Greg Moorhouse Show
Huddersfield hit the top of the league with a stunning 5 -1 win away to Lincoln. Huddersfield started well and scored two goals from their first two short corners. Greg Moorhouse scoring both goals one a great individual finish and the second from a well rehearsed move. Despite sustained pressure they were unable to convert further chances in the first half.
In the second half Huddersfield overran Lincoln and in a contrast to last weeks hard working performance the new team demonstrated its full range of attacking flair. Huddersfield pace and power were too much for Lincoln and Greg Moorhouse rattled in three more goals to finish the day with five goals and a well deserved man of the match performance
Despite the one man headline it was a great team performance and one that send a message to the rest of the league. Although tougher tests are to come Huddersfield will look to retain their top of the table position for the full term.
Team: 1. Paul Howarth 2. Alistair Ross 3. Adrian Hannam 4. Mike Peachey 5. Joey Presto 6. Clem Gregory 7. Rob Kelly (c) 8. Greg Moorhouse 9. Edward Waterhouse 10. Simon Courntey 11. Martin Hirst 12. William Rogers
6th October
Doncaster 3rd XI 2 – 1 Huddersfield 1st XI
Huddersfield were left rueing missed chances in their defeat to Doncaster. Huddersfield created pressure which forced the Doncaster into early errors. The first exploited by Martin Hirst who picked out Greg Moorhouse in the area to score his 8th goal in three games. However further mistakes were not punished with the Doncaster keeper making a string of excellent saves. Inevitably after weathering the pressure Doncaster scored from their first real chance to level it before half time.
Worse was to come as after the break Doncaster hit the front with another soft goal. It was then all Huddersfield as Doncaster went down to 10 men, the Doncaster captain sin binned for dissent. A switch up front meant eventual Man of the Match Martin Hirst playing higher up the pitch, holding up the ball and bringing the midfield into the game and creating multiple chances. Huddersfield failed to convert and their day was summed up by a flowing move of ten passes that ended with a miss from Steve Durrans from no more than five yards out.
Frustration set in and Huddersfield ended the game with 2 men in the sin bin as tempers frayed at the thought of a chance wasted to beat possibly a strong promotion rival. Many positives to take from the match but Huddersfield will need to re regroup before next week and get back on track at home to Leeds Carnegie.
Team: 1. Paul Howarth 2. Alistair Ross 3. Adrian Hannam 4. Mike Peachey 5. Joey Presto 6. Clem Gregory 7. Rob Kelly (c) 8. Greg Moorhouse 9. Edward Waterhouse 10. Simon Courntey 11. Martin Hirst 12. William Rogers 13. Steve Durrans
13th October
Huddersfield 1st XI 8 – 3 Leeds Carnegie 2nd XI
A resounding win for Huddersfield to help them top the league once more, but the score-line does little to tell the story of the match where Carnegie led early in the second half. Huddersfield needed to get back on track after a loss to Doncaster last week and five first half minutes saw a breakaway goal started and finished by Martin Hirst and a deft touch by Will Rogers to put Huddersfield two nil up in clinical fashion.
Huddersfield then switched off and allowed Carnegie to score two quick goals to draw level and then hit the front either side of half time. This served as a wake up call as Huddersfield then ran riot in a twelve minute spell they crashed in 6 goals. Will Rogers with his second an individual run and shot, Clem Gregory and Ali Ross from short corners, Steve Durrans after two attempts that hit the post and two further goals from leading scorer Greg Moorhouse begun and ended the rout.
The pace and passing in the second half were outstanding and Carnegie had no answer to the onslaught as the defence were solid and the midfield ran the game. Results elsewhere sent Huddersfield back to the top and showed what an open league this could be. The fixtures over the next three weeks including Sheffield away and Wakefield at home will go a long way to assessing whether Huddersfield are genuine promotion contenders.
Team: 1. Paul Howarth 2. Alistair Ross 3. Adrian Hannam 4. Mike Peachey 5. Joey Presto 6. Clem Gregory 7. Rob Kelly (c) 8. Greg Moorhouse 9. Edward Waterhouse 10. Martin Hirst 11. William Rogers 12. Steve Durrans
20th October
Sheffield Hallam 3rd XI 0 – 5 Huddersfield 1st XI
Huddersfield destroyed the only unbeaten record in the league with a stunning 5 – 0 demolition away to Sheffield. However this performance was built on solid defence and an incredible work rate throughout the side. Sheffield had only conceded one goal in four games before this but after Huddersfield blunted their attack it was their defence that were put under pressure from the Huddersfield counter attacks. Man of the Match Rob Kelly opened the scoring from a short corner goal against the run of the early play and added a second from a mazy individual run and low shot. The stuffing was knocked out of Sheffield as Clem Gregory added a third again from a short corner.
Sheffield started the second half well but again Huddersfield’s defence refused to be passed. Huddersfield’s then showed great flair as they hit top gear and dominated Sheffield which should have resulted in more goals. However an excellent finish by Will Rogers when one on one with the goalkeeper and a slick touch from Steve Durrans form another short corner were the only rewards in the half.
Huddersfield maintain their position of early season pacesetters at the top of the Yorkshire Premier League with a stunning 21 goals in 5 games and have a well deserved week off next week.
Team: 1. Paul Howarth 2. Alistair Ross 3. Adrian Hannam 4. Mike Peachey 5. Joey Presto 6. Clem Gregory 7. Rob Kelly (c) 8. Simon Courtney 9. Edward Waterhouse 10. Martin Hirst 11. William Rogers 12. Steve Durrans
3rd November
Wakefield 2nd XI 3 – 1 Huddersfield 1st XI
A disappointing performance from Huddersfield led to their second defeat of the season and dropped them to third in the table. Wakefield had an almost identical record to Huddersfield at the start of the game with only one defeat so far so it was always going to be a tough game.
Huddersfield started the game brightly and after Rob Kelly robbed his man in midfield he picked out Martin Hirst in the area to deflect past the keeper to take an early lead. After this however it was all Wakefield, forcing a string of short corners and Huddersfield struggling to maintain any good possession adding to the pressure on the defence. Without some top drawer saves from Man of the Match Paul Howarth Huddersfield would have gone in at the break well behind, however they managed to maintain their 1 – 0 lead.
Huddersfield were improved after the break and had a better second half, ironically they also conceded three goals. Wakefield scored when the defence failed to clear to level the match and went ahead shortly after another period of sustained pressure. Huddersfield failed to create many clear chances despite strong midfield runs from Rob Kelly and Joey Presto. Steve Durrans forcing a save from the keeper was the only real output until the last ten minutes. It took two late sin bins to reduce Wakefield to nine men to ignite the Huddersfield attack. A flurry of short corners and the only real sustained period of pressure in the match should have led to a goal but it only let in Wakefield for a break away third goal and the clinching of the match.
Little to take from the match and Huddersfield must look to improve fast with York University visiting Huddersfield on Saturday.
Team: 1. Paul Howarth 2. Alistair Ross 3. Adrian Hannam 4. Mike Peachey 5. Joey Presto 6. Clem Gregory 7. Rob Kelly (c) 8. Simon Courtney 9. Andy Kaye 10. Martin Hirst 11. William Rogers 12. Steve Durrans 13. Greg Moorhouse
10th November
Huddersfield 1st XI 4 – 1 York University 1st XI
Huddersfield picked themselves up from last weeks defeat with a top class team effort against York. Whilst Huddersfield started sluggishly they were never troubled by a youthful York side. Huddersfield blunted York’s’ early exuberance with a goal from leading scorer Greg Moorhouse, Man of the Match Will Rogers creating the chance after the first of many penetrating runs. This served to settle Huddersfield and after this the performance was totally dominant.
The Huddersfield defence, again looking very strong, kept possession and cleverly distributed the ball. This led to intense pressure in the York half. Greg Moorhouse smashed in a second and could have had more as he was denied by the goalkeeper and the cross bar.
The second half was more of the same and Moorhouse completed his hat trick, and his 13th of the season with the goal again made by a bursting run from his own half from Will Rogers. Rogers, though wasn’t finished there as he crowned a fantastic display with another run holding off the defence to play in Martin Hirst for a far post finish and seal all three points. There was just time for Ali Ross to take pity on the York forwards by gifting them a late consolation.
Whilst there were some individual highlights it was a great team display with Huddersfield showing a high tempo and work rate throughout. In terms of possession and dominance of the opposition certainly the best performance of the season so far, maintaining Huddersfield’s top three league position.
Team: 1. Paul Howarth 2. Alistair Ross 3. Adrian Hannam 4. Mike Peachey 5. Joey Presto 6. Clem Gregory 7. Rob Kelly (c) 8. Simon Courtney 9. Andy Kaye 10. Martin Hirst 11. William Rogers 12. Steve Durrans 13. Greg Moorhouse
17th November
Boston Spa 1st XI 2 – 2 Huddersfield 1st XI
Huddersfield will see this as two points dropped against bottom side Boston Spa, even though they gained a point on the top two in the division as they both suffered surprise losses. Huddersfield started sluggishly but managed to open the scoring with a goal from Greg Moorhouse who took advantage of some generous goalkeeping. Huddersfield managed to reach half time with this lead in tact thanks to some good saves from Man of the Match Paul Howarth in the Huddersfield goal. The second half started perfectly with a second goal from Si Courtney who volleyed in at the far post after good work again from Moorhouse. Unfortunately this is where it started to fall apart for Huddersfield as Rob Kelly had to leave the pitch through injury and Joey Presto to the sin bin after a disagreement with the umpire. Boston Spa hit straight back to reduce the deficit and equalized as the Huddersfield defence struggled as Boston Spa increased the pressure as they grew in confidence. Back to full strength Huddersfield did begin to hit back on the break and will look back on a number of missed half chances and lack of composure in the final third of the pitch. It could however have been much worse when Boston Spa hit the post late on to save Huddersfield from what would have been a disastrous defeat The only bright side of the result was that Huddersfield avoided defeat unlike their title rivals, however three points would have seen Huddersfield gain significant advantage on the division pacesetters – an opportunity wasted.
TEAM: 1. Paul Howarth 2. Alistair Ross 3. Adrian Hannam 4. Mike Peachey 5. Joey Presto 6. Clem Gregory 7. Rob Kelly (c) 8. Simon Courtney 9. Andy Kaye 10. Martin Hirst 11. William Rogers 12. Greg Moorhouse
24th November
Huddersfield 1st XI 6 – 3 Hull 2nd XI
Huddersfield captain Rob Kelly picked his team up from last weeks draw with a Man of the Match performance. However the early stages looked like more last weeks lethargic approach as Hull took a shock early lead on the break. It didn’t take Huddersfield long to cancel that out with Martin Hirst tapping in Greg Moorhouse’s goal bound shot.
A bizarre lapse in the Huddersfield defence allowed Hull to hit the front again leaving the alarm bells ringing. After this Huddersfield hit top gear and Hirst won a penalty converted by Moorhouse, and he then he played in Moorhouse for a cool finish over the keeper. The half was rounded off for Huddersfield as Ali Ross had two attempts at goal the second been deflected past the keeper by Hirst for his second of the game and the score to 4 – 2.
The game was not a great spectacle in the second half with a sending off for either side, some scrappy play and poor umpiring. In and amongst though the Huddersfield midfield of Courtney, Rogers and Presto led by Rob Kelly produced some patches of brilliance and Huddersfield should have converted more chances than the two they managed. A great move by Rogers finished neatly by Steve Durrans and then a surging run and shot from Kelly smashed in from the edge of the area.
Hull managed a late consolation but this was three more points and again with favorable results elsewhere keeps Huddersfield right in the title mix. Huddersfield now has a run of games against Halifax, Brigg and Wakefield which will go along way to deciding whether they can maintain their title hopes.
TEAM: 1. Paul Howarth 2. Alistair Ross 3. Adrian Hannam 4. Mike Peachey 5. Joey Presto 6. Clem Gregory 7. Rob Kelly (c) 8. Simon Courtney 9. Steve Durrans 10. Martin Hirst 11. William Rogers 12. Greg Moorhouse
1st December
Halifax 1st XI 2 – 1 Huddersfield 1st XI
Huddersfield disappointingly came away from Halifax with nothing, however when they reflect that Paul Howarth in the Huddersfield goal earned the Man of the Match award with a string of saves, that is arguably all they deserved.
The first half was reasonably even with both teams keen to move the ball forward quickly but not creating many clear cut chances. One player each side sent to the sin bin early on only served to create more space. Both defences, though, looked reasonably comfortable in snuffing out the attacking threats. Huddersfield eventually broke the deadlock and it was Will Rogers who smashed the ball over the Halifax keeper 5 minutes from half time.
Halifax had the best of the second half and built up significant pressure on the Huddersfield goal. It always seemed likely that if Halifax could get a goal they could get more as Paul Howarth was forced into save after save. Halifax wasted a number of chances as they seemed to be unable to get their penalty corner routine together. The umpire then inexplicably played advantage, but when Halifax failed to score changed his mind and called play back. Halifax finally showed some creativity to score from the resultant penalty corner and it wasn’t long after that Halifax hit the front whit a neat deflection past the keeper.
Huddersfield who had been hanging on then had to chase the game and although time was running out still managed to create at least three chances, none of which they could convert. This left Huddersfield ruing the missed chance to go top of the league, only Andy Kaye playing out of position in defence and Howarth could be genuinely happy with their performances. Only two wins from two before the Christmas break will do or Huddersfield’s chances of winning the league title will look bleak.
TEAM: 1. Paul Howarth 2. Alistair Ross 3. Adrian Hannam 4. Mike Peachey 5. Joey Presto 6. Andy Kaye 7. Rob Kelly (c) 8. Simon Courtney 9. Greg Moorhouse 10. Martin Hirst 11. William Rogers 12. Steve Durrans
8th December
Huddersfield 1st XI 3 – 2 Wakefield 2nd XI
Huddersfield’s biggest game of the season so far brought the best from the team. Huddersfield started the day in fourth and Wakefield second so neither could afford to give ground. The early exchanges were tense as would be expected in a such a critical clash but it was Wakefield who broke the deadlock with a neat goal from a penalty corner. Huddersfield hit back very quickly with their first clear chance, breaking the play in midfield and Simon Courtney playing in Greg Moorhouse to smash the ball home.
Huddersfield then played some excellent Hockey with Simon Courtney linking twice more with Greg Moorhouse. First breaking down the right and picking out Moorhouse to beat the Wakefield keeper again and he then picked up the ball in midfield from a Huddersfield counter attack and fed it into Moorhouse who beat his man then the keeper with his best finish of the three. Moorhouse now has 19 goals in ten games and the first half saw three of his best.
Huddersfield have thrown away half time leads in all four of the games they have not won so taking a 3-1 lead into the break was not as comfortable as it should have been. However this time Huddersfield played some of their most solid Hockey of the season and although Paul Howarth in the Huddersfield goal got his second man of the match award in consecutive games Huddersfield always looked in control and should have won more comfortably. The defence had more shape and in midfield particularly Rob Kelly and Joey Presto always looked like causing Wakefield problems. However no more goals came and they were denied a penalty flick late on and whilst disputing the decision allowed Wakefield to break and score giving a less then comfortable last two minutes.
This win saw Huddersfield leap frog Wakefield into second place just behind the league leaders Brigg who they meet this weekend at home in the final game before the Christmas break. Huddersfield now have 5 wins from 5 games at home and will be keen to maintain this perfect record on Saturday.
TEAM: 1. Paul Howarth 2. Alistair Ross 3. Adrian Hannam 4. Mike Peachey 5. Joey Presto 6. Andy Kaye 7. Rob Kelly (c) 8. Simon Courtney 9. Greg Moorhouse 10. Martin Hirst 11. William Rogers 12. Richard Lovatt
12th January 2008
Huddersfield 1st XI 2 – 3 Lincoln 1st XI
A disastrous start to the second half of the season for Huddersfield as Lincoln became the first team to get any points at Lockwood Park this season. Having not played since the 8th December and floodlight problems affecting training since before Christmas it was no surprise that Huddersfield looked sluggish and off the pace. Despite that Huddersfield did create some early pressure but then a high quality break away goal for Lincoln stunned Huddersfield who never really recovered. Huddersfield were slow to close down their lively opposition and the ease at which Lincoln moved the ball from back to front caused Huddersfield problems all day long.
Man of the Match Simon Courtney caused Lincoln most problems in the first half and was clean through twice played in both times by Martin Hirst. He saw his best chance drop agonisingly wide as he chipped it over the keeper. Huddersfield struggled to make their possession count until an excellent run and cross by Will Rogers picked out Steve Durrans at the far post to slide the ball under the diving keeper. At this point Huddersfield should have pressed on but couldn’t dominate their opponents and went into the break 2 -1 down after going behind again when a miss hit shot from a short corner bobbled past Paul Howarth in the Huddersfield goal and Richard Lovatt shot just wide after cleverly beating his man.
The second half had some early encouragement but it was Lincoln who were the more clinical as they lifted the ball over a grounded Howarth to go 3-1 up. A great run from the back by Ali Ross created the opportunity for Greg Moorhouse to slot neatly into the bottom corner and give Huddersfield a hope of at least a draw but Lincoln held on to the ball well and were able to run down the clock to a achieve a surprise but deserved victory.
A bad day at the office for Huddersfield and they will not be able to have many more like this if they are to keep their league title hopes alive. Results surprisingly went their way with only one of the top four winning so Huddersfield could still be top if they won their games in hand.
TEAM: 1. Paul Howarth 2. Alistair Ross 3. Adrian Hannam 4. Mike Peachey 5. Clem Gregory 6. Andy Kaye 7. Rob Kelly (c) 8. Simon Courtney 9. Greg Moorhouse 10. Martin Hirst 11. William Rogers 12. Steve Durrans 13. Richard Lovatt
19th January 2008
Ben Rhydding 2nd XI 2 – 4 Huddersfield 1st XI
If last weeks loss was lethargic and rusty then Saturday saw a return to the high energy and committed performance that has seen Huddersfield be in the leading pack all season. It didn’t go to plan from the start however as Ben Rhydding kept the ball well early on and made the pressure tell after about 10 minutes with a well worked passing move and close range finish.
Huddersfield burst into life though and dominated the rest of the half with a number of efforts going close until Ali Ross earned a deserved reward with a thunderbolt shot flying past the keeper from a short corner. Greg Moorhouse followed up soon after with a deflected shot and after some calamitous defending Martin Hirst pounced to take advantage and make it 3 -1. Huddersfield could have gone in further in front but spurned a handful of further efforts. The team shape improved throughout the half and with the defence growing more solid the midfield and attack looked likely to score with every drive forward.
Ben Rhydding started the faster in the second half but the Huddersfield defence snuffed out any chance of a comeback until Ali Ross pulled a hamstring and without any subs available had to loiter in the opposition half for the remainder of the game. With a man down Ben Ryhdding stepped up the pace and managed to pull the score to 3 -2 and at that point the game was in the balance. Huddersfield regained composure and as Ben Rhydding over committed up front they swarmed forward on the break with Man of the Match Will Rogers impossible to mark as he drifted into space and initiating most of the Huddersfield breaks.
It wasn’t until the last 5 minutes that Huddersfield finally put the game to bed as Greg Moorhouse smashed in his second of the game but it should have been beyond doubt much earlier but for poor decision making with the final pass and some wayward shooting.
Huddersfield now lies third with a game in hand and need a run of strong results to really seize the initiative at the top of the Yorkshire Premier League with nine games to go.
TEAM: 1. Paul Howarth 2. Alistair Ross 3. Adrian Hannam 4. Mike Peachey 5. Clem Gregory 6. Andy Kaye 7. Rob Kelly (c) 8. Greg Moorhouse 9. Martin Hirst 10. William Rogers 11. Richard Lovatt
26th January 2008
York Uni 1st XI 2 – 3 Huddersfield 1st XI
By Will Rogers
After last weeks crucial away win, it was vital that Huddersfield’s winning ways continued away to bottom the table York University. Despite being bottom, York did have some effective players who did cause title contenders a problem in the home fixture back in early November. Huddersfield were also missing two of their back four, Ali Ross and Adie Hannon, and their super striker Martin ‘Hirsty’ Hirst.
It was Huddersfield though who started the brighter with Rob Kelly and Greg Moorhouse forcing early saves from the University goalkeeper and it was Steve Durrans who came the closest scoring after being inches away from getting on the end of a Rogers cross. The first fifteen minutes turned into a midfield battle, with Huddersfield coming out on top after a Titus Bramble-esq mistake by the York University sweeper. A feeble pass across the D gifted Will Rogers the ball who first time hit a thunderous drive into the bottom corner to give Huddersfield a deserved lead. The game then became scrappy with some dubious decisions being made from the umpires not helping the cause, with a green card being issued to Rogers for querying a particular deplorable decision. The last ten half saw York come back into it with Paul Howarth making a superb reverse stick save from three yards out. The make shift back of Simon Courtney, Mike Peachy, Clem Gregory and Motorbike James performed admirably with every attack being quashed astutely, and on the few occasions the Huddersfield defence was breached goalkeeper Paul kept York at bay.
HALF TIME - YORK UNIVERSITY 0-1 HUDDERSFIELD
The second half really was one for the Sky cameras as it did have everything. Debatable decisions, yellow cards and goals all prevalent in a frenzied 35 minutes. It was apparent that the York University captain had read the riot act to some of his players at half time for not converting dome of their chances as it was York who dominated the early proceedings and even had a goal rightfully disallowed after a foot in the D in the run up to the goal. Ironically, it was Huddersfield who got on the score-sheet first after an incisive breakaway. A ball up the line from Rogers was nonchalantly taken on the reverse by the Moorhouse and from then on there was only one thing on his mind. He bypassed three tackles before releasing a shot off the reverse into the bottom corner.
It was when York pushed back at 2-0 down when Huddersfield nearly threw away all their hard work as halfway through the second half, they literally fell asleep. York took full advantage of this and bundled in two quick-fire goals to leave Huddersfield shocked. Temperatures then rose, not through hostility, but due to the sheer disappointment of losing a two goal lead, with Greg and captain Rob both being issued with yellow cards. With 10 men there only looked like one winner as York continued to press, but this was all to change after a short corner was correctly awarded to the battling boys in purple. A confident injection by Andy Kaye, which was neatly stopped by Clem, enabled Moorhouse and Rogers to execute the perfect 1-2 routine which resulted in Moorhouse flicking the ball accurately over the keeper to make it 3-2 with just over five minutes to play. York did manage a short corner in the final moments of the game but never really threatened. As the final whistle went, the relief was clear to be seen on the faces of the Huddersfield players.
With Boston Spa coming to fortress Lockwood next Saturday, all is to play for as it looks like the much coveted Yorkshire Premiership trophy (currently held by Leeds Uni) will be going right to the wire.
9th February 2008
Brigg 1st XI 5 – 4 Huddersfield 1st XI
Huddersfield were blown away in the first of two crucial back to back games against top of the league Brigg. Whilst the score line suggests a nail biting encounter in reality Huddersfield were 5-1 down at one stage and in reality only made it respectable late on, albeit through some excellent hockey.
Greg Moorhouse opened the scoring only for Brigg to hit back within three passes of the restart and worse was to come as Huddersfield twice surrendered possession whilst trying to dribble out of defence. Brigg for their part were absolutely clinical in punishing the recurring Huddersfield defensive mistakes to surge into a 3-1 lead. The Huddersfield forward play unfortunately lacked composure and whilst they moved the ball forward at pace and caused Brigg plenty of problems they couldn’t find any end product.
At half time 3-1 down there was still hope as it was clearly going to be an end to end game with the leagues two top scoring teams battling it out. However this hope quickly disappeared as two more gifts allowed Brigg first to tap in from close range after a brilliant double save from Howarth was still not cleared and then a free shot from the edge of the D left the goalkeeper stranded. At 5 – 1 Huddersfield looked well beaten.
With 20 minutes to go Huddersfield sacrificed a midfielder and played three forwards. This coupled with two sin bins for Brigg players led to Huddersfield’s best passage of play. Martin Hirst robbed his man twice and smart finishes from Moorhouse first and then Steve Durrans sparked Huddersfield into life. Brigg looked rattled at this stage and when Will Rogers burst through and picked Hirst out to stroke past the keeper into the bottom corner there was a sniff of an unlikely comeback. However the clock beat Huddersfield as they struggled to win the possession to allow them a last desperate attempt but on reflection they didn’t deserve to get anything from the game against a Brigg team who showed the sharpness that took them to the top of the league.
Huddersfield must take the last twenty minutes into the return home fixture this weekend and keep possession better if they are to stay in touch with the title race.
TEAM: Paul Howarth, Simon Courtney, Ali Ross, Adrian Hannam, Clem Gregory, Andy Kaye, Rob Kelly (c), Greg Moorhouse, Steve Durrans, William Rogers, Martin Hirst, Richard Lovatt
16th February 2008
Huddersfield 1st XI 2 – 5 Brigg 1st XI
Huddersfield suffered a second consecutive defeat to top of the league Brigg on Saturday. Huddersfield started where they left off during last weeks second half and a stunning strike from Moorhouse opened the scoring. The lead though didn’t last long as Brigg scored from close range to level, after this Huddersfield produced some excellent hockey and great movement from Simon Courtney allowed him to get in front of his marker and deflect past the goal keeper. The defence was equally as impressive and kept Brigg at arms length for the rest of the half.
At 2-1 it looked like Huddersfield could easily have pushed on but poor decision making in the last third and some missed chances meant they never capitalised on a great opportunity to put the game out of Brigg’s reach. As the second half started Brigg had clearly made some tactical changes and Huddersfield struggled to get to grips with the more attacking Brigg style. In fact this was probably the point where Huddersfield title chances also slipped from their grasp. A weak equalizer from Brigg was the first blow and then some stunning play gave them two more goals in quick succession.
Huddersfield never looked likely to turn the momentum around as it was Brigg who were playing with confidence and Huddersfield continued to lack teamwork going forward and became more uncertain in defence. When Brigg added a fifth and final goal they had put themselves firmly in pole position to claim the league title. Huddersfield can’t complain if they do lose out on the title to Brigg after conceding 10 goals to them in the last two games and the feeling was that they were the best team they have faced this season. Brigg showed the teamwork in defence and attack that Huddersfield need to emulate if they are to improve further as a team.
With six games left a clean sweep of wins and dropped points elsewhere will be required for Huddersfield to finish top.
Paul Howarth, Simon Courtney, Ali Ross, Adrian Hannam, Clem Gregory, Andy Kaye, Rob Kelly (C), Greg Moorhouse, Mike Peachey, William Rogers, Martin Hirst
23rd February 2008
Leeds Carnegie 2nd XI 1– 2 Huddersfield 1st XI
Huddersfield registered their first win in three with a well deserved victory away to Leeds Carnegie. After two consecutive defeats training has concentrated on improved movement and use of the ball. The opening ten minutes were a perfect example of the fast paced attacking Hockey that Huddersfield have shown when at their best this season. The angle of attack was switched from left to right and Simon Courtney exploited the space and burst down the wing to deliver an inch perfect cross to Martin Hirst to deflect past the Leeds keeper.
Huddersfield’s pace and movement gave Leeds problems but a lack of end product meant they couldn’t extend their lead. This gave Leeds confidence to get their own passing game going and they weren’t behind for long as a fine save from Paul Howarth rebounded back to the Leeds striker for a second chance which he gratefully planted inside the right hand post. For the rest of the half Leeds outworked Huddersfield as they seemed stunned by the equalizer.
The second half started as the first half with Huddersfield dominating possession and driving the ball forward with pacy breaks from the midfield. Huddersfield eventually got a deserved reward when a great run and shot from leading scorer Greg Moorhouse flew past the despairing keeper. Both defences were then dominant for a period led by excellent tackling from Man of the Match Adrian Hannam. When Huddersfield did create openings they slipped back into some poor decision making in the final third of the pitch.
In the last ten minutes as Leeds pushed forward it left gaps at the back and this led to Huddersfield s best spell of play. If it wasn’t for an inspired Leeds goalkeeper Huddersfield would have run away with the match. As it was a goal line clearance from Mike Peachey was the only thing that stopped Leeds getting what would have been an undeserved point from the game. Huddersfield lack of ability to kill off the game nearly cost them but overall a much improved team performance.
Surprise results elsewhere leave Huddersfield in third and with renewed hope of a close finish to the title race. However five wins from the five remaining games would be required along with more dropped points elsewhere.
Paul Howarth, Simon Courtney, Ali Ross, Adrian Hannam, Clem Gregory, Andy Kaye, Rob Kelly (C), Greg Moorhouse, Mike Peachey, William Rogers, Martin Hirst, Steve Durrans, Rich Lovatt
1st March 2008
Huddersfield 1st XI 6– 2 Sheffield Hallam 3rd XI
Huddersfield produced a stunning performance at a crucial time in the title race. Although 10 mins in it looked like this may be the end of any hopes of promotion as Sheffield found themselves two nil up against the run of play. Tactical changes that have developed over the last couple of weeks have allowed Huddersfield to use a more direct style and exploit their attacking pace. This was working to good effect but the chances created were met with a Sheffield keeper in inspired form. Sheffield scored first when left unmarked at the top of the D the striker found the bottom left corner and then a close range shot squeezed past Howarth in goal when the defence failed to clear.
Huddersfield didn’t look unduly worried as they had the majority of play and when Rob Kelly found Martin Hirst in space and one on one with the keeper he was able to touch it out of reach and round him to leave an easy tap in to an empty net. This settled the nerves and some slick passing caused the Sheffield defence serious problems and Huddersfield soon found an equaliser from a Greg Moorhouse short corner that was deflected in by the defender. Only poor finishing stopped Huddersfield running away with in the first half, Rob Kelly having a shot cleared off the line and Will Rogers blasting wide late in the half.
In the second half Man of the Match Will Rogers turned in an inspired display creating a number of chances for his teammates. It was also a great team display with some of the best passing moves of the season particularly through Clem Gregory working the ball down the right hand side and Greg Moorhouse the left.
Huddersfield hit the front when Ali Ross found plenty of time to measure a shot from a short corner across the keeper and into the goal. Rogers then beat two men and crossed for Hirst to slot home his second, but Rogers was then sin binned for a reaction to a bad challenge. Being reduced to 10 men didn’t stop the Huddersfield onslaught as Hirst then turned provider to play in Steve Durrans to finish at the far post to take the score to 5-2. Rogers returned from the sin bin to win a penalty flick which was given to Hirst to attempt to secure his hat trick. This wasn’t to be as he placed it wide of the keeper but also wide of the post much to the amusement of his team mates.
Steve Durrans rounded off a fine 6-2 victory as he finished with a deft touch past the keeper from another Rogers cross. The top two in the division drew with each other which means if Huddersfield can continue this run of victory’s in the final four games there is still a chance to be top come the 4th April.
Paul Howarth, Simon Courtney, Ali Ross, Adrian Hannam, Clem Gregory, Andy Kaye, Rob Kelly (C), Greg Moorhouse, Mike Peachey, William Rogers, Martin Hirst, Steve Durrans, Rich Lovatt
8th March 2008
Hull 2nd XI 1– 3 XI Huddersfield 1st XI
Huddersfield faced the tricky away trip to the KC stadium complex against a struggling Hull side. At the business end of the season though now each point is seeming harder fought with the league leaders losing points over the last couple of weeks. Huddersfield however have hit form at the right time and secured their third victory in succession.
Hull drew first blood but against the run of play as they smashed a shot past Howarth in the Huddersfield goal. After this Huddersfield then turned in one of their most composed defensive performances of the season and rarely looked threatened for the rest of the match. Ross, Hannam, Gregory and out of position Andy Kaye made a pacey Hull forward line look ordinary and allowed the midfield to push forward.
The composure was not fully reflected in attack and as a result it took Huddersfield some time to pull level eventually doing so through a neat deflection past the keeper from Greg Moorhouse after an initial strike by Ali Ross. A lack of a good final ball meant that Huddersfield were unable to create any more significant chances with the Hull defence just about holding firm.
In the second half the whole team performance came together with Man of the Match Richard Lovatt putting in his best performance of his short 1st XI career. Lovatt was solid in defence and on the offensive he made some incisive passing and surging runs down the right which troubled the Hull defence. It was Moorhouse who provided a sweet reverse stick finish which gave the keeper no chance for a 2-1 lead and then a mazy Lovatt run picked out Will Rogers to seal the victory with a shot across the keeper into the bottom left corner.
Rogers still had time to be sin binned for petulance and Ross made a huge gaff which nearly let Hull in to leave an uncomfortable last few minutes but Huddersfield managed to close the match out 3-1 and keep themselves in with a slim chance of catching the league leader. Three home games now remain and three wins would see them finish second but further slip ups from Wakefield at the top could let them in to snatch the title.
Team: Paul Howarth, Simon Courtney, Ali Ross, Adrian Hannam, Clem Gregory, Andy Kaye, Rob Kelly (C), Greg Moorhouse, Mike Peachey, William Rogers, Martin Hirst, Will Cooper, Rich Lovatt
15th march 2008
Huddersfield 1st XI 7– 0 Doncaster 3rd XI
Huddersfield did all they could to keep the title race alive with a sound thrashing of Doncaster and a sublime performance. However with Wakefield holding their nerve they only need one win from the final two games to close it out and leave Huddersfield with second place at best. Huddersfield had known they required a minimum of six wins from the final six games and Saturday saw them make it four from four.
The game was decided in a 15 minute spell 10 minutes into the first half where Doncaster were blown away by some superb attacking play and clinical finishing to leave them reeling at 4-0. Will Rogers planted the ball through the keepers legs to opening the scoring then picked out Martin Hirst to drive the ball into the net off the keepers helmet. Then man of the match Greg Moorhouse took over firing hard past the keeper on the reverse and cheekily nudging a second through his legs. Huddersfield failed to maintain the peak of the performance for the rest of the half and allowed Doncaster some possession and also went a man down as Ali Ross was harshly sin binned for 20 minutes.
Ten minutes into the second half with Ross reinstated the midfield of Gregory and Kelly regained the upper hand and with the defence looking un-troubled were allowed to push forward and support another period of Huddersfield attacking dominance. Moorhouse was too quick for the Doncaster defence and was able to tap in twice more for four in the match as the keeper floundered on the floor. Steve Durrans through on goal drew the keeper and played in Hirst to finish the rout guiding the ball past a stranded defender for 7-0.
Huddersfield have a week off and then two remaining home fixtures and must keep up the winning run and hope Wakefield fail to win either of their two games. Second place is most likely which is a huge improvement on last years relegation battle.
Team: Paul Howarth, Simon Courtney, Ali Ross, Adrian Hannam, Clem Gregory, Andy Kaye, Rob Kelly (C), Greg Moorhouse, Steve Durrans, William Rogers, Martin Hirst, Will Cooper, Rich Lovatt
Huddersfield 1st XI 8– 4 Boston Spa 1st XI
Huddersfield ended the season on a high and condemned Boston Spa to relegation in a game that shows how costly an earlier away draw at Boston Spa could have been for Huddersfield in the title race. With nothing to play for Huddersfield showed why they are top scorers in the division with some clinical finishing in the first half however a spirited Boston Spa performance and some lax defending meant it was well into the second half when Huddersfield shook off their challenge. Martin Hirst won a short corner then deflected a fierce Ali Ross shot over the diving keeper, Boston Spa equalized almost straight from the restart. Steve Durrans then tapped in at the far post only for another equalizer to leave the score at 2-2. Simon Courtney and Rob Kelly both scored to finish the half 4-2 ahead after Boston Spa failed to convert a penalty stroke. It was more of the same in the second half with Greg Moorhouse scoring his 38th goal of the season. Hirst then completed a strong performance and his hat trick with a far post finish after a shot across the goal from Kelly, Boston Spa briefly rallied to get the score back to 6-4 but when Gregory played in Hirst to score past the last defender Boston Spa were down and out. Huddersfield could then have run riot as even the defense pushed forward with sweeper Ali Ross showing his skills on a number of mazy runs in his final game for the club. In the end only sloppy finishing stopped them running up a rugby score and the last word was left to right back Courtney who popped up at the far post to flick past the despairing keeper.
In the end Huddersfield came up short winning five of the last six games but losses in crucial games left them with a third place finish in the league. On reflection though as they only gained promotion two seasons ago and remained in the division last season on goal difference this season has to be viewed as a success. 18 more points and double the amount of wins back that up. Huddersfield end as top scorers in the division wit 82 goals and with the best goal difference. Whilst Huddersfield attacking ability is based on pace and skill throughout the team 16 year old Greg Moorhouse must take most of the plaudits with a staggering 38 goals in 21 games only failing to score in two of the games he played. Huddersfield will hope the young Yorkshire star can continue to develop his all round game whilst still notching the goals. New additions to the team this year helped to raise the standard with Ali Ross very comfortable in possession at sweeper adding solidity to the defence, with excellent distribution. Unfortunately due to work Ross’s first season will also be his last. Another new player and Huddersfield player of the season, Will Rogers added even more creativity and pace to an already strong midfield, hopefully he will still be around next season. Simon Courtney, Clem Gregory and Andy Kaye have also showed themselves to be flexible as they have all played in a variety of positions. Captain Rob Kelly leads a mostly youthful side (other than 3 30+’s) and is most keen to continue pushing through young talent as Richard Lovatt established himself in the team this year and Will Cooper another home grown young player showing Huddersfield have a bright future. Huddersfield will hope for a couple of additional players to the squad in the summer but regardless have a strong chance of making further strides next season.
