2-2: M2s vs Edinburgh Uni 2s (Regional 1) - 12/11/22

The Hillhead squad arrived at Peffermill with plenty of time to spare thanks to some efficient and brisk driving. They were acutely aware that avoiding defeat would allow them to retain their place at the top of Regional 1. Following a focused and intense week of training the lads were raring to go. It was another strong line up filled with what Edinburgh Uni described as, “ex-premiership players”. I assume they were referencing Grant & Jimmy. Unusually there was some continuity about the team as regulars Ally Deas and Ross Wilson shored up the defence and Chris Wilson continued to make the right back berth his own as he assumed the captain’s role for the day. Chris Moon looked to finally complete a full match for the 2s following his bloody ending against Inverleith and Graeme Campbell looked to maintain his excellent goal scoring form. While Hillhead were aware this match wouldn’t make or break the season, they knew a strong result would give them the confidence they needed to push on in search of silverware.

So, the game began as Uni passed the ball straight out of play from push back, sparking loud cheers from the modest crowd in the stand. Hillhead started brightly, having a few half chances as they looked to carve open their opponents. However, it was clear the Uni team were well drilled and much stronger than previous opposition this season. To combat this Hillhead decided to utilise the scooping abilities of Michael Sherry and Ally Deas as they had a contest to see who could chuck it the furthest. Every so often Hillhead would get the ball under control although it more generally relieved the pressure of the relentless Uni press.

In the 2nd quarter Hillhead began to play some more expansive hockey, allowing them to threaten the Uni goal more often. An exquisite combination between Grant Macmillan and Graeme Campbell down the left allowed the ball to be released to Craig Hilton who would slap the ball across goal for Jude to tuck the ball into the empty goal. It was a fine move which delighted Coach Campbell. However, it didn’t take long for Uni to equalise as they put away a well hit shot from a penalty corner. Following this Uni started to dominate the game, not allowing Hillhead the time on the ball they so desperately craved. As the first half progressed frustration grew for the away side although the lads kept their composure and saw the half out at 1-1.

Coach Campbell decided to change the formation as Hillhead went with a more conservative 4-4-2 in the second half in the hope the team could combat the midfield overload that Uni had manufactured. It was clear the Uni team looked to press the midfield as hard as possible, not allowing our quality attackers to get the ball in dangerous areas of the pitch. Despite the change in structure Hillhead struggled to gain possession of the ball and continued to defend hard, limiting the number of chances the Uni had. However, the Uni side unfortunately went 2-1 up before the third quarter was up as Hillhead went to sleep following some confusion over an umpiring decision. Credit to the Uni player for the excellent finish, giving Blacky in nets no chance.

Hillhead went into the final quarter knowing they needed to press hard to get a result against this strong Edinburgh Uni side. Although, the game looked to get away from them as Uni broke, before firing a ferocious strike, tracking towards top bins, hitting captain Chris Wilson right on the nipple before being cleared. Despite Chris trying to claim it hit his stick the umpires wouldn’t buy it and a PF was awarded. Fortunately for Hillhead the worst PF ever seen was dribbled towards the goal, perhaps down to Blacky’s David De Gea Style movement, allowing for our in-form keeper to easily whack the ball away. Game on with 10 minutes to go. Another change in structure from Coach Campbell was in order as Hillhead went 3 at the back for the closing stages in search of an equaliser. With minutes left on the clock Hillhead worked the ball well out the back before some excellent combination play between Meikle & Campbell led to a penalty corner being awarded. This was last chance saloon. The ball was injected towards Top D, stopped by Macmillan and Sherry drag flicked the ball past the helpless goalkeeper to bring the game level and surely maintain Hillhead’s unbeaten record.

Despite conceding a needless short corner with moments left Hillhead managed to see out the game and get the result that they so craved but didn’t necessarily deserve.