Leek 4s earn deserved point against Lichfield.

After some late week selection conundrums Leek 4s set off to Lichfield with a very young side seeking to build on their first win of the season last time out.

In comparison Lichfield, who sat top of the table at the start of that day, fielded a very experienced side. What played out was a really good game of hockey, played in great spirit and very well officiated. Whilst both teams will feel they could have been a little more clinical in front of goal neither deserved to lose.

In a tight first half Leek skipper Nick Grubb did well to block a fierce goal bound effort but that was the only shot that made it past an impressive Jack Simpson in goal. Once Leek got used to the formation Lichfield were playing the defence was solid with Andy Machin, team Dad for the day, having a stormer at left back and Tom Dale having an exceptional day at right back.

Leek were good on the front foot with plenty of attacks which with a little more confidence and composure may well have seen some more goals. You couldn’t fault the style and application though and in particular the returning Grant brothers, Taryn and Ruarc, shone, as did Ptolemy Edge leading the line. Despite all this activity the break came at 0-0.

The second half saw more of the same but with the home team enjoying more possession against Leek’s counter attacking style. The midfield three of Ed Whittaker, George Mounsey and Toby Shuttlewood were having great games, the former controlling the base of the trio and the latter two continuing their impressive development, harassing the opposition and applying some silly skills in equal measure. When a goal came it was ironically a scrappy scramble given the overall quality of the hockey, with Lichfield taking the lead with 8 minutes to go. Leek responded superbly for a young team and took the fight to Lichfield, at times leaving Grubb on his own at the back while the full backs rampaged as pretend wingers. This intent saw Ed Whittaker receive the ball at the top of the D and calmly slot a shot into the bottom corner with a minute to go. A special mention also to Sam Smith whose positional sense and tracking back from left midfield were a credit to him.

Overall a good day out and really promising to see the younger players perform so well.