1-1: M3s vs Helensburgh (WD1) - 24/11/21

Hillhead held by Helensburgh as they roll the changes

Having rearranged the scheduled fixture the Saturday prior due to poor availability, Hillhead were grateful to their opponents for the opportunity to play a mid week fixture.  Captain Alan Meikle saw this as a good opportunity to test out some development squad players to WD1 hockey with debuts for Euan Hedley, Euan Speirs, Ruaridh Hall and Alasdair Fisher.  Other youngsters continuing their development in the threes were the ever present Ronan McGeoch and more recent addition Ewan Simpson.  Despite the youthful make up of the squad there was plenty of experience dotted around the pitch.

Helensburgh were sitting comfortably midtable having occupied the top positions towards the start of the season.  Unfortunately on arrival it was evident that the pitch was beginning to freeze and it continued to deteriorate throughout the match.  However, both teams felt it as safe to continue.

The match throughout was a cagey affair with Helensburgh suppressing Hillhead’s usual attacking dominance with a very aggressive and well engineered press.  Helensburgh also adapted better to the conditions playing more controlled hockey, whilst Hillhead struggled to play fast, dynamic hockey on the slippy surface.  Hillhead did take the lead half way through the second half despite very few clear chances.  Great wing play and tenacity by youngster Euan Speirs saw him twice have shots thwarted before James Prowse calmly slotted the ball in to the goal.  In a tight match the goal was a welcome relief.  Hillhead certainly relaxed into the game and became more dominant but never really threatened with Helensburgh steadfast and organised in defence and denying our influential midfield time to settle on the ball.  Helensburgh with well executed counter attacking hockey grabbed a deserved equaliser from a penalty corner, leaving the game tied with minutes to play.  Hillhead pressed hard for a winner but were thwarted once again by good defence and goalkeeping.

Disappointing for the league leaders to drop points but an excellent opportunity for four of our up and coming players to play at a higher level. 

Thanks to Helensburgh for allowing the match to be re arranged and thanks also to umpires Wullie McKechnie (Hillhead) and Andy Richardson (Helensburgh) for umpiring.

Fulltime: Helensburgh 1 -1 Hillhead

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