Weekend Report No 7 

1sts 2 V 2 Sheffield Hallum 

Fresh from their first league win last week Cannock headed to Yorkshire's Sheffield Hallum full of confidence. Despite a couple of early attacks, it was Sheffield who drew first blood, when, after three minutes, Andrew Jackson won and converted a penalty corner to put them in front. Spurred by this, Chris Beck immediately embarked on a solo run down the right flank. As he drove into the D he was hacked down and awarded a penalty corner. Callum Stacey stepped up and converted the corner to level the scores. The next section of the game was end to end play with aerials aplenty! Sheffield had the better of these chances with one shot narrowly deflected wide of the post. As Cannock looked to build from the back they were caught in possession and put under pressure several times. Then in a turn of fortunes an ariel by Beck was launched to Dan Jowett as he ran into the D. His shot was parried away by the keeper. Sheffield increased the pressure with a very high press. They increased their scoring opportunities with two chances being deflected wide. As the tide turned Beck went on another run forward to find Harry Jawanda, who fired a reverse shot narrowly wide. Sheffield won another penalty corner on the counter but Cannock gathered the ball and Ed Fleet drove into the D to secure another penalty corner opportunity. Beck had another shot saved. Russel Anderson attack led to another PC. Jawanda broke into the D and was free on goal when he was squeezed off the ball without a PC being awarded. Chris Darnley taken out with a lifted ball from Mannie Dhanda. As Cannock continued to push, Callum McKenzie went on a solo run, rounded the keeper and put Cannock in the lead as the half drew to a close. 

In the second half both sides had their chances with Cannock's Jawanda and McKenzie going close. Despite some sound tackling by Ed Fleet Cannock gave the ball away in the D to present another PC to Sheffield. The first was cleared but led to a second which Sheffield converted to level the scores. Cannock escaped two more near misses and another close attempt by Jawanda before the final whistle blew. Although a valuable point was gained Cannock were left feeling this was two points lost, although the neutral would probably say this was a fair result. 

2s 3 V 8 Birmingham Uni 

2s played an away fixture against Birmingham University this week. An optimistic side, who aimed to score rather defend, came unstuck when defending a relentless Birmingham attack burst into life. Goals ensued and Cannock where many goals down to nil at half time. The second half saw the Cannock defence stop passing the ball to the opposition centre forwards  and their own forwards found joy in the oppositions D allowing goals to be scored. A strong second half saved too much embarrassment from Cannock but Birmingham where just too strong on this occasion. Goal scorers - Tom Minal, Lewis Round and Callum Swinnerton-Ions.

3s 2 V 8 Birmingham Uni 

Cannock Men's third team played host to Birmingham University at Chase Park on a cold Saturday afternoon.  
 
Cannock held the students back for the majority of the first half with keeper Karl Owen making several good saves however minutes before half time a crucial umpiring decision gave a short corner which the students converted.  
 
Half time proved a turning point. Cannock set their stall out to compete but the game plan did not go to plan. The students came out with even more intensity and quality and left Cannock wondering what had happened.  
 
Goal after goal went in past the helpless Owen with the Cannock team falling apart. Despite goals from defender turned forward James Hudson and youngster Callum Warren Cannock lost 8-2. The Maroon Men must now turn their attentions to the long journey to West Bridgford next Saturday. 

4s 2 V 3 Birmingham Uni 

Cannock 4's travelled to B'ham uni with another much changed team and expectations very low. Cannock set up defensively and new half backs Paul Martin (who had never played in defence) and Matt Wheldon proceeded to keep the students at bay for much of the first half. Birmingham scored before the break through one too many overloads. Cannock started the second half strong and a wide chance fell to Lofthouse who scored to level the scores. Birmingham continued the pressure and took the lead soon after, but rather than drop their heads, Cannock fought back to equalise again. A draw would have been a fair result, but an interesting umpiring decision led to a penalty corner which was dispatched. Whilst it is obviously disappointing to come away with nothing, it showed the heart of the team is beating strong! 

5s 1 V 3 Finchfield 4s 

With selection issues causing problems further up the club Cannock 5s put out a very different looking side from the previous week. This week they took on a strong Finchfield 4s. Although Cannock played some fine passing hockey in patches, they were caught on the break a couple of times and fell finally to a well struck penalty corner. The home side had its chances but the Finchfield keeper won those battles. Jonny Machin found the net after Cannock pushed to get back in the game but the damage had already been done. 

Fathoms 6 V 1 Stone 

The Fathoms had a convincing 6 – 1 win over Stone with a hat trick from Bruce Alcock 3,  and further goals from Harry Michael, Evan Alcock and Luke Davies. 

Badgers 3 V 3 Lichfield 'B'

This week the Badgers squad had a short trip to Lichfield in what proved to be a highly entertaining match. With the Cannock squad gaining in confidence the Badgers coaches decided to start the match without any adults in the starting line-up. The early exchanges between the two teams were even with both sides creating a number of chances. As the first half progressed Cannock started to lose their shape and conceded two goals in quick succession, finishing the half 2-0 down.

With the introduction of an adult just before the start of the second half Cannock regained their shape and composure and following an encouraging half-time talk started the second half with a real purpose, scoring a goal almost immediately from the start. Unfortunately Lichfield scored a further goal almost immediately making it 3-1. Cannock Badgers responded in an emphatic way, taking control of the game and making Lichfield defend deep in their own half. The constant pressure delivered a second and third goal in quick succession for Cannock to level the match with 10 minutes remaining. From that point there was only one team that was going to win, however the end of the match came before Cannock could score again, finishing a very entertaining 3-3 draw.

Over 40 Masters 3 V 2 Barton Masters 

Cannock Over 40s Masters side progressed into the second round of the Masters Cup with a 3 – 2 away win against Barton. Chris Mayer put Cannock in front from a penalty corner but Barton levelled the score. Jamie Roberts restored the lead just before half time. Soon after the break Barton pulled level once again. However, goal machine Roberts found the net again to claim the game.