This was a second chance for the youngsters to impress skipper Steve Brooks. Unfortunately nobody shone and there is still a lot of work to be done. Not only by the youngsters but also by the Senior players who have to explain the basic rudiments of the game. It is not just about skill, it is not just about flair, it is not just commitment, it is not just discipline. It is about all of these plus many more and including the Theory of League Hockey which has got to be instilled. Today Doncaster began better than Beeston by moving the ball via their centre half, both left and right. Slowly Beeston got possession and began to also move the ball but everything appeared to be in slow motion. The call for the ball was usually matched by the pass several seconds later or not at all. The player in possession kept looking to either confirm the call or try and find a better pass. The better pass has to be seen a lot earlier but this is something you have to learn.
Doncaster took the lead from a penalty corner. This was awarded when Ali Hartley cleared the ball dangerously. An unfortunate but correct decision is a harsh lesson for Ali to learn. Sometimes it is not just about stopping the shots but how you stop them. In this instance an angled clearance, albeit harder to perform, had to be the answer. Soon after they increased their lead when their centre forward found his way amazingly past 3 or 4 defenders, with the aid of colleagues, to give Ali Hartley no chance. This was going to be difficult to get back and it was a test of character that Beeston did not buckle under and indeed raised their game. Forceful probings by Michael Williamson ably supported by Alix Rotton kept up the right side attacks. There were a few half chances but none were taken as the opposing goalkeeper was never really tested.
In the second half Doncaster kept up the pressure but Beeston held firm with Ali Hartley saving well on the few occasions. Midway through the half Beeston reduced the deficit when Michael Hartley managed to regain his composure and score, even though he should have scored at the first attempt. In actual fact this should have been the equaliser as a few minutes earlier Tomkins / Exsportise Scholarship Winner Phillip Sully should have scored. Escaping his marker he was left with the classic 1 v 1 with the keeper. Unfortunately the keeper won easily persuading Phil Sully to go open side and then saving comfortably. This is always a difficult skill to acquire and then perfect, but most people believe that the reverse stick side has to be best for the forward especially if a feint of the body can deceive the keeper into thinking the opposite.
There was still time to get an equaliser but Doncaster actually increased their pressure and created several chances for themselves but saves from Ali Hartley and their inaccurate shooting saw the score remain the same.
Beeston now have little time in which to form a settled side. The return of Clive Biddlecombe and Brian Blackmore will add more experience and stability but Beeston seem to be missing Parky as there is no out and out goalscorer to step into such quality shoes. I am sure that several youngsters will make the grade, the difference being that some may take longer than others.
Ali Hartley
Phil Hall
Alix Rotton Rob Sewell Steve Brooks
Michael Williamson Michael Hartley Robin Schmidt
Graham Bentley Phil Sully Tom Keysell
Subs : Gary Steeples
Goalscorer : Michael Hartley