Mixed Make Finals
Posted by Andy Darnley on 19 May 2013
Cannock Mixed Hockey Make National Finals
Cannock 4-4 Horsham
(Cannock Win 4-3 on penalties)
Cannock faced Horsham in the Quarter Finals of the England Hockey Mixed Trophy, the team they had beaten to win their second title two seasons ago. Expecting a hard game, on a hot day, Cannock found themselves 1-0 down in 6 minutes. Despite their strong start Horsham opted to pack their defence rather than going for the kill and allowed Cannock time to play themselves into the match. Dave Harris struck Cannock's equaliser in the 17 minute, causing Horsham to be a little more ambitious. The visitors were rewarded when they took the lead 6 minutes before the break. Chris Darnley found the back of the net just before half time but after the goal was awarded the trailing umpire decided to call another umpire’s conference and overturned the decision.
The second half began well for Cannock as Lucy Spencer got the last attacking touch to level the scores. Horsham responded quickly and two good passing moves saw them score twice in 3 minutes to take a 4-2 lead. With plenty of time left and the visitors reverting to counter-attacks, Cannock played some nice team hockey of their own. As a result of this pressure Cannock reduced the arrears when Stuart Gooderham scored from a penalty corner. A second goal for Dave Harris with 13 minutes to go levelled the score and set up a tense finale to full time. However, neither team were able to score and the game went into Golden Goal extra time.
Horsham gained the early pressure but they squandered an early chance and the opportunity to win the tie. A second shot then hit their own player in front of goal and when a third shot rebounded off the crossbar it began to look like lady luck may be with the Cannock's side. With neither side able to score at the end of extra time, it went to penalties. It was at this point that Cannock Keeper Paul Parker came to the rescue. He saved Horsham’s 3rd and 4th flicks and after Cannock had only missed one penalty it was up to the home side to score to win the tie. Keeper Parker removed his keeper’s kit and stepped up to the spot. The keeper, turned penalty taker, buried the winning stroke into the roof of the net and sent Cannock to the Finals Weekend at Beeston on 8th/9th June.
