Weekend Report No13 

With the National league season on its winter break, Cannock's Midlands League sides followed in the success of the 1sts last week with impressive wins at the weekend. 

2s 5 V 4 Beeston 

An match against rivals Beeston is always a tough one and this was no exception. Cannock were given a confidence boost when Beeston started the game with only ten men.  However, this confidence was ripped away when Beeston fired in 3 goals to take the lead. Half time came with no change in score. At half time the two missing Beeston players arrived to bring them back to full strength. It was at this point that Cannock fired into life, fought hard and managed to gain a 4-3 lead with goals from Tom Minall(2), Callum Stacey and Hibbert.  Beeston went all out to get the game back by pulling their keeper but Minall completed his hat trick to take it 5-3. Beeston finished with a flurry and responded with another goal but Cannock held on to take the victory. This was a tough game that was well fought by both sides. 
MoM Manveer Dhanda 

DoD Tom Minall 

3s 4 v 1 Harborne 

Cannock Men's 3rd Team travelled to relegation threatened Harborne as they looked to extend their unbeaten run and further climb the 3rd Team Midlands Premier League table.  
 
A tight first half saw Cannock hold the hosts back to limited chances, however, Cannock failed to find the final ball to take the lead. About twenty minutes into the game, half back turned winger Ben Hampton popped up in the 'D' with a neat finish to give Cannock the lead.  
 
In a team of changed positions, an impressive performance from forward turned right back Andy Hodgetts kept proving Cannock with the opportunity to attack but Cannock couldn't add to their score before half time. 
 
The second period started and Cannock doubled their lead also immediately. The impressive Jordan Joiner stole the ball in midfield, played in forward Ed Martin, who gave Joiner the perfect ball to snatch Cannock's second. Then the flood gates opened. Martin then scored a third with a great one touch finish and Hodgetts capped off a fine performance with Cannock's fourth and his first goal of the season. 
 
The game ended in a frustrating way as Martin received a harsh green card for not being five yrds at a free hit, which allowed Harborne to dominate the final few minutes and score a late consolation, much to keeper Balcombe's frustration. 
 
Cannock entertain neighbours Lichfield next week aiming to finish 2016 in 5th position which would be a impressive outcome after starting the season with a new look team. 
 

MoM Andy Hodge 

DoD Tom Widdowson 

4s 3 v 2 Sutton Coldfield 

Cannock 4's finally tasted victory in what's proved to be a challenging season so far. Cannock did not start brightly and it took approximately 20 mins for them to get into their stride. Some great work by Lewis Michael split the Sutton defense and soon chances came thick and fast. Another drive to the goal line by Michael led to a chance being taken by new boy James Griffiths. Cannock created another well worked goal, finished off by Dave Wigg. Cannock could have scored six in the first half, but poor marking allowed the visitors to get a goal back before the break. Cannock started the second half brightly and Griffiths soon put away his second to give Cannock their third goal. Sutton claimed a second goal late in the game but Cannock held on for a well deserved, if not pretty, victory. 

MoM James Griffiths 

DoD Dave Wigg 

6s 1 V 7 Barton 2s 

In a hastily arranged fixture, due to Ludlow dropping out during the week, the 6ths found themselves with a number of redundant 5th teamers in their ranks, alongside a few regulars and a number of players promoted from the Badgers. Expecting an easier game, the Cannock side found themselves battling against Barton 2nd,  who normally play at a much higher level in the Midlands 2nd team league. 
 
The visitors were young, fit, fast and skilful and Cannock were under sustained pressure throughout the game. The result was 7-1 to Barton, which reflected their ability but does not demonstrate the effort and work rate of the home side. 
Keeper Rufus Horn was forced to make a series if fine saves, including a penalty stroke, just to keep the score in single figures. Lee "Swampy" Marsh put in a phenomenal shift in the unaccustomed position of left back. Alice also showed huge determination and an excellent work ethic. Josh Jones at right back earned Man of the Match for his increasingly assured performance against the formidable Barton forward line. Cannock's solitary goal came from a well worked short corner routine, hammered home by Karl Owen. 
 
Such was the effort from the entire side that no Dick of the Day could be chosen. Instead, that dubious honour was awarded to umpire Nat Lofthouse. 

MoM Josh Jones 

DoD Nat Lofthouse 

Badgers 2 V 5 Beeston Badgers 

Cannock Badgers had their first home game in a month this week against Beeston Badgers. Both sides were evenly matched from an age perspective, however right from the start it was clear the movement and pace of the Beeston players was going to cause Cannock a number of problems. Playing with three forward players and a quick midfield Beeston created a number of early chances which were defended well by Cannock. However, it wasn't long before Beeston's pressure found a way through the Cannock defence to open the scoring. Very quickly they were able to add a second and Cannock found themselves on the back foot for long periods. As the half progressed Cannock started to adjust to the pace of the game managing to pull a goal back. Unfortunately Beeston responded almost immediately and finished the first half 3-1 ahead. 
 
The second half continued in the same vain as the first, with Beeston moving the ball quickly and creating plenty of chances. Some resolute defending from Cannock and some poor finishing from Beeston kept the ball out of the Cannock goal for most of the half, however Cannock did concede a further two goals. One quality that has defined the Cannock Badger's side this season so far has been their resilience; no matter how tough or difficult the match is Cannock Badgers have continued to strive to play good hockey and it was this resilience that saw Cannock score a second to make the final score 5-2 to Beeston. The Badgers travel to North Staffs next week in their final game before the Christmas brea