South Hockey League, MBBO Division 2.
Witney v’s Abingdon
at Wood Green School, Saturday 30th January 2010.
Following last week’s strong display, Abingdon were in a confident mood
as they travelled to Witney for the return fixture against the Division
2 leaders, looking to avenge their heavy defeat at the beginning of the
season.
Abingdon had the better of the opening 25 minutes and by mid way through
the first half had opened up a two goal lead. Owen Blackburn gave the
visitors the lead after 10 minutes, tucking the ball under the advancing
goalkeeper from the edge of the circle after Ron Smith’s quickly taken
free hit caught the Witney defence napping.
Ten minutes later Abingdon deservedly went two up. From a free hit
outside the circle the ball was played to Andy Ringsell whose ball into
the circle was deflected past the Witney goalkeeper from close range by
Ron Smith.
Despite Witney coming back strongly towards the end of the first half,
the Abingdon defence held firm to maintain their two goal lead at half
term.
Witney made the best possible start to the second half, as they pulled
one back within a minute of the restart to make it 2-1. Then, with 15
minutes remaining, the home side drew level when Tim Hardy sent an
unstoppable drag flick into the roof of the net.
In the final 10 minutes both teams had good opportunities to grab a late
winner. Will Trigg and Denis McMillan both had close ranges shots saved
by the Witney goalkeeper, while Witney won a couple of penalty corners
but were unable to find the back of the net.
Final Score: Witney 2 Abingdon 2
