Men’s 1s fall short

The M1’s entertained the University of Bristol at BRN on Sunday in a National League West Conference top-of-the-table clash.

Bristol started the brighter of the two sides and opened the scoring from their first penalty corner in the 3^rd minute. As Hawks struggled to gain a foothold in the game, Bristol continued to press and Hawks had Jack Hobbs to thank when he ran down a second Bristol penalty corner in the 8^th minute.  With Hawks wasteful in possession and lacking any cutting edge up front, Bristol extended their lead from another penalty corner five minutes before the half time break - this time somewhat fortuitously when the initial shot at goal was charged down but with the ball falling conveniently for a follow up strike.  Hawks had at least by now played themselves into the game and started the second half knowing that the next goal would be crucial.

Three minutes after the break Barny Barber made a great double stop at another Bristol penalty corner, a feat which was mirrored by the Bristol GK minutes later from a Hawks penalty corner.  In the 8^th minute of the second half Hawks made the all-important strike back when the pace on an outstanding cross by Raoul Patel from the left corner was used by Jack Hobbs to neatly deflect home.  The game continued to ebb and flow, both sides making circle entries and creating goal chances.  But both GK’s were in fine form and Hawks failure to retain possession at critical times and in key areas of the pitch meant that they were never able to apply any sustained pressure on the Bristol rearguard.

So a 2-1 win for Bristol, leaving Hawks knowing that they could and should have performed better.  But second place in the league table at the halfway stage of the season, just three points behind the leaders, is no bad place to be.  Much to play for as the return fixtures commence next weekend, Plymouth the visitors to BRN next Sunday.