7-1: M2s vs Grange 2s (Regional 1) - 29/10/22
Hillhead 2s took to the water based pitch at GHK knowing they were in for a battle against a strong Grange side who had tore them apart only half a year ago. However, with a very strong team available Coach Campbell selected a star-studded line up which included the Eagle (Grant Macmillan) making his first appearance of the season for the 2s as he returned to fitness in his sparkling new shoes. If Hillhead were to maintain their place at the top of the table it was vital they got a victory, knowing Edinburgh University 2s were breathing down their necks in 2nd place.
The match began with intensity as both teams attempted to maintain possession but struggled in the wet and wild conditions. Although, the first goal would go to Hillhead as a searching scoop from regular top-performer Alan Meikle would find his partner in crime Graeme Campbell at the top of the D allowing him to slide the ball past the helpless keeper. Hillhead had made their mark on the game and they intended to step on the gas from there. Moments later, it was Craig Hilton who picked up the ball on the right wing, rinsing the Grange left back before sweeping the ball across the goal for McVicar to deflect the ball past the sprawling Grange keeper. Easy. Hillhead were cruising. The lads continued to put pressure on Grange as Campbell received the ball outside the D, played a quick 1-2 with Kyle, before slotting the ball past the keeper who was already sick of the sight of Campbell by the end of the first quarter.
Hillhead continued their relentless search for more goals in the 2nd quarter as they looked to improve their goal difference. It didn’t take long for another to come as Chris Wilson skinned a couple of players down the right before squaring the ball to Murray Ross to smash into the goal. Shortly after Sincy would go on a searching run into the D, releasing the ball to Jordan who would smash it into the roof of the net. Hillhead were easing to a victory, playing free flowing hockey at a pace in which Grange couldn’t deal with. At the back, Ross Wilson and Ally Deas continued their excellent form by halting multiple Grange counter attacks, ensuring the lads took a commanding lead into the half time break.
Half time - Hillhead 5 - 0 Grange
After some praise from Coach Campbell in regards to the 1st half performance their was a clear message that we must not stop and continue to barrage the Grange goal in search of more goals. This is exactly what Hillhead did, however they would leave themselves open at the back for the counter, allowing Grange to get a consolation goal from a swift break which resulted in a tap in at the back post. However, the resurgence wouldn’t last long as once again Chris Wilson would maraud down the right week before connecting with Murray Ross to complete his brace. Hillhead were comfortable in the game and with Alan Meikle man marking their strongest player out the game there was no sign of a Grange comeback.
As the game moved into the final quarter Hillhead continued to maintain possession, with Andrew Hilton pulling the strings as usual as he constantly found himself in space to receive the ball from the formidable Michael Sherry at the back. Sherry continued to halt Grange counter attacks with excellent tackles, not all of which the umpires took a liking to. Despite this, Hillhead dominated the last quarter without having much joy in front of goal. However, with moments left Ally Deas progressed down the right win, releasing the ball to McVicar allowing him to square the ball and lay it on a plate for Murray Ross to complete his hat trick. Game, set and match.
An unexpected thrashing of Grange leaves Hillhead going into a massive match against Edinburgh Uni with confidence albeit an awareness they will be in for an extremely hard fought match.
