Men's 3rd XI Match Reports
2022-23 Season
1 October 2022 Shepton Mallet 3s 3 Bridgwater 4s 1
Shepton Mallet 3rds opened their West Men’s Parrett Division 2 account with a strong 3-1 victory over Bridgewater 4ths.
Shepton controlled the majority of possession early on and they took the lead on 15 minutes when Des Osborne’s short corner came out to Mac Jessop who hit an effort towards goal which was saved by the Bridgewater keeper, but he couldn’t stop it from trickling over the line. Shepton remained in charge until a lapse in concentration ten minutes later saw the home side get hit on the counter by Bridgewater and the move ended with Liam Barrow taking a touch in the D and firing home to equalise. The second half began with Bridgewater applying lots of early pressure, but Shepton worked tirelessly to absorb it and on 50 minutes, the home side retook the lead. Osborne was once again involved in some short corner action, managing to squeeze the ball into the goal after a Mike Locke shot, much to the protests of the visiting players who believed the ball didn’t fully cross the line. With ten minutes to go, Shepton scored again to secure the three points, when a sweeping team move ended with Jessop finishing excellently past the Bridgewater keeper for his second of the match, capping off a strong Shepton performance.
24 September 2022 Shepton Mallet 3s 1 Old Bristolians 5s 2
Shepton’s third team finalised preparations for their league campaign with a narrow loss against their visitors from Bristol.
Shepton failed to find their rhythm in the early exchanges but young debutants Orlando Edwards and Paul Kemp-King quicky settled into their new surroundings exerting great influence on the game. As the first half progressed Shepton started to boss the game with Des Osborne and Adge Hawkins both coming close to opening the scoring. But just two minutes before the interval their opponents capitalised on a defensive error to grab the half-time lead.
The second half continued as the first half had ended with Shepton enjoying some decent possession and they were rewarded ten minutes in when good work from Kemp-King on the right led to Osborne feeding Mike Locke to fire a reverse stick shot into the bottom corner. But it was Old Bristolians who had the last laugh when pinball in the circle ended with a neat finish to snatch victory away from the Mallet.
Orlando Edwards pipped Paul Kemp-King to man of the match. DOD: Mac (barge and finding Smiler's feet)
17 September 2022 Shepton Mallet 3s 7 Chippenham 5s 3
Shepton’s third team kicked off their 2022-23 season with a pleasing home win in a friendly game against old rivals Chippenham.
Shepton dominated early possession but an opportunist strike caused them to fall behind after 20 minutes. Mallet responded in kind and a one-nil deficit turned into a four-one lead before half time. Debutant Jack Miller started to find space on the right whilst Luka Foley, Jason Street and Tom Ward linked well in attack. But attacking midfielder Adge Hawkins bagged all four first-half goals with some well-taken finishes.
The second half remained competitive with Chippenham briefly narrowing the deficit before Hawkins netted his fifth to make it five-two. Miller bundled the ball in to make it six before the visitors scored again to keep Shepton on their toes. But Shepton had the last laugh when Hawkins completed his double-hat-trick with a fine finish from another Miller assist. Luka Foley was named man of the match. DOD: Lloyd (opposition assist and minor tantrum)
2021-22 Season
20 November 2021 Bath Buccs 8s 2 Shepton Mallet 3s 1
Shepton travelled to Bath last Saturday in search of their first win since early October. Shepton had the better of the first half with Mike Locke, Mac Jessop, Joe Hampson, Ian Bloomfield and Luke Foley all having good chances to take the lead, only to be denied by an excellent display of goalkeeping by the Bath stopper. Shepton did find the back of the net from a penalty corner when Mac Jessop’s shot found Des Osborne to slap home, but the goal was ruled out for an infringement. Mallet did live dangerously at times in defence and were very lucky not to fall behind when the home side missed an open goal at the far post ten minutes before half time. But overall Shepton defended pretty well with Paul Townsend and man-of-the-match Laurie Gilroy making some well-timed tackles to keep their hosts at bay.
After the break Shepton continued to press with Bloomfield and Locke having further chances but it was Hampson who eventually broke the deadlock with a mazy run and neat finish from 8 yards. But Shepton’s lead lasted less than a minute when they were careless in possession and a quick break led to a thunderous shot that gave keeper Mike Laird no chance. Five minutes later Bucss took the lead with a neat reverse stick shot into the corner. Shepton’s heads didn’t drop and they continued to pile pressure onto the Bath defence but the home side stood firm to claim the three points.
MOM: Laurie Gilroy
DOD: Des Osborne
13 November 2021 Shepton Mallet 3 3 Corsham 2 3
Shepton’s 3rd team entertained a powerful Corsham outfit on Saturday in West Hockey’s Saxon Division 2. The visitors nearly took the lead inside the first ten minutes but were denied by the bravery and forehead of Laurie Gilroy. Unfortunately this led to an early shower for Gilroy but he picked up the man of the match for his troubles. Both teams then wasted good chances before Corsham finally took the lead with a super-fast counterattack and clinical finish under keeper Jim Byrne. Shepton responded immediately when Andy Shaw got to the by-line to square the ball for Jack Burgess to slot home. The score remained at 1-1 until half time.
Corsham came out on fire in the second half scoring twice within the first five minutes to gain control of the game. But Shepton’s heads didn’t drop and they slowly worked their way back into the contest, finding some possession and pushing Corsham back to defend their lead. The pressure eventually told when Burgess turned provider to put Joe Hampson through to calmly slot the ball past the out-rushing the keeper and into the net. Mallet continued to press in search of the equaliser and their endeavours were rewarded five minutes from time when Burgess grabbed his second assist to set up Ian Bloomfield to sweep home and secure a well-deserved point.
Next week, Shepton travel to Bath Buccs, in search of their first win since early October.
MOM (and DOD): heading the ball to save a goal!
6 November 2021 Chippenham 4 7 Shepton Mallet 3 1
Second successive defeat against one of the league's top two. Chippenham proved too strong for Shepton's mix of youth and veterans. Tom Ward grabbed a consolation with a neat finish in the second half before everyone enjoyed sausage, chips and beans. Top nosh!!
MOM: Darrell Chainey
DOD: Jim Byrne (had better days)
30 October 2021 Shepton Mallet 3 2 Swindon 3 6
A run of good results came to an end against one of the favourites for promotion. Goals from Mac and Ian made the score look respectable. ANother tough game to come next week.
MOM: Edson Bird (on debut)
DOD: Tom (breaking promises and forgetting kit)
9 October 2021 Shepton Mallet 3s 4 North Wilts 2s 2
A storming second half comeback from Shepton’s third team maintained their unbeaten start to the season in West Men’s Saxon Division 2. Mallet started the match well and twice could have taken the lead with efforts from Ian Bloomfield and skipper Mac Jessop. But North Wilts soon took control of the game and deservedly went in front before doubling their lead before the break with a neat finish from a penalty corner.
This stirred Shepton into life and they soon started committing more players into attack to get back in the game. A well-worked short corner got them up and running with man-of-the-match Matt Woodlock ultimately feeding Jessop to slide the ball home. And five minutes later another corner resulted in Mike Locke squaring the ball for Joe Hampson to equalise. Shepton continued to press and soon took the lead for the first time when Oliver Murray’s mazy run and cross found Hampson to grab his second. And the game was put beyond the visitor’s reach when Jessop drove into the circle from the left to set up Hampson to complete his second-half hat-trick.
Next week Shepton face a tough fixture away at Marlborough but will hope to continue their good start to the season as one of the division’s front runners.
Man of the Match: Matt Woodlock
2 October 2021 Wootton Bassett 3s 2 Shepton Mallet 3s 2
Shepton faced an uphill battle playing away with only ten men and their job was made harder when Paul Townsend for stuck in traffic and missed the first quarter of the match. During that time Basset looked dangerous with every attack and took the lead with a good passing move. But Townsend's late arrival shored up the defence and Shepton equalised with a neat finish from Joe Hampson that wrong-footed the home keeper.
Despite still being a player down, Mallet amazingly took the lead in the second half when Hampson bundled the ball through the out-rushing stopper before tapping home. Bassett piled on the pressure as the clock ticked down and were continually thwarted by some great saves by veteran keeper Jim Byrne, back out of keeper retirement this season. But they eventually breached Shepton's defences to equalise with ten minutes to go before Shepton hung on for an unlikely away point.
2020-21 season (cut very short due to covid-19)
31 Oct 2020 North Wilts ‘A’ 1 Shepton Mallet ‘B’ 2
Shepton were on the road again for their second league match with a long trip to Swindon. They made a bright start with some good possession resulting in a continuous stream of short corners but some excellent goalkeeping and two clearances off the line made sure Wilts had a clean sheet at half time. Whenever Shepton’s defence were called upon they dealt with everything through an excellent performance from Ross Lloyd in goal, making sure they also kept clean sheet.
The match followed the same pattern in the second half with Mike Spencer and Mac Jessop dominating the midfield but Shepton became a little wasteful in possession and not precise enough with their passing, allowing Wilts to threatened with some breakaway attacks, one of which resulted in a shock lead for Wilts with only 15 mins left. As last week, Shepton had to step up and show some character. They did just that through some good work from James Robertson, Tom Woodlock and Ed Calvert winning multiple short corners. It was through one of those that Shepton equalised with Mac Jessop firing a deflected shot into the net. This gave Shepton hope of grabbing a late win, which they did through forcing yet another short corner with Mac Jessop scoring again. This was a good win and another promising step forward for this inexperienced team. Sadly, lockdown will hold up our progression but hopefully that will be temporary and we will start again in four weeks (or so)
Man of the match - Mac Jessop
24 Oct 2020 Yate ‘A’ 2. Shepton Mallet ‘B’. 2
Shepton ‘B’ had a challenging first match of the season against an experience and talented Yate side.
Another series of changes in the starting line up meant that for much of the first half Shepton had to dig deep and work their way into their game. Yate immediately put pressure on the Shepton defence of Townsend, Osborne, Robertson and Hardwick who stood firm until Yate scored an excellent individual goal.
Shepton didn’t crumble and came back strongly with Blacklidge and Jessop asserting themselves in the midfield. A decisive move towards the end of the first half resulted in the equalising goal. Townsend’s decisive pass from the back found Jessop’s run into midfield space. His flicked pass was picked up by new striker Ed Calvert who drew the keeper to the edge of the area to calmly score the equaliser.
Shepton clicked in the second half with new boys Luke & Ewan Meadows impressing up front and the tough tackling Mike Spencer sitting deeper. The half was very competitive and Shepton were unlucky to go behind to a well worked Yate move. Again, Shepton gave a spirited response and increased the pressure on Yate right up until the last minute when they won a short corner on the final whistle, so it became the final play of the match. A perfect injection from Osborne was controlled instantly by Jessop who fired a shot into the bottom corner of the goal. A draw was a fair result with an excellent performance against a very strong Yate team.
Man of the match - James Robertson
17 Oct 2020 Shepton Mallet B 1 West Wilts B 0
Shepton ‘B’s final friendly before the first league game was another hard fought affair. With a squad of 15, including debut matches for welcome newcomers Kieren Bailey, Adge Hawkins and Thorfinn Doyle, there was constant movement through the 11 to allow game time for all (and a rest for the defence!) with a different formation to accommodate the available players.
Shepton again started brightly with Captain Mac Jessop returning to the midfield, adding to the increasingly dynamic combination of Woodlock & Woodlock. The movement of Shaw & Bloomfield kept the Wilts defence guessing and the midfield created early chances. Wilts came back into the game as the half progressed and Shepton lost some shape and control but still managed to take the lead through what has been described as a “well worked short corner routine” resulting in Andrew Shaw scoring for the second game in a row. He is now leading scorer (given we have only scored two goals so far and he has scored both of them!).
Wilts changed their formation in the second half, pressing higher and applying much more pressure to our midfield and defence. This upset Shepton’s passing game, and was a good lesson to the younger players in the value of slowing the game down at times, keeping it simple and maintaining possession. However, with some resilient defending, Laurie Gilroy improving game by game, Jack Goulding and James Robertson working hard in their wingback roles and all backed up by the magnificent Hugo Maistrello in goal there was no way through for Wilts and their frustration showed towards the end of the match when one of their more experienced players made the mistake of verbally ‘challenging’ our umpire Bev, resulting in him taking a deserved rest for the remainder of the game.
Another good win for Shepton ‘B’. Now the real test starts next week.
MOM Hugo Maistrello
10 Oct 2020 Bath Bucs G 0 Shepton Mallet 1
A fresh looking Shepton B team visited Bath University for their first friendly of the season, an early 10.15 start against the Bath Buccs ‘G’ team.
The new midfield combination of Woodlock & Woodlock clicked instantly as Shepton made a bright start with some good possession, slick passing and a high press resulting in some early chances. The defence was called upon to manage the lively midfield of Buccs with James Robertson and Laurie Gilroy supporting the ever youthful pairing of Townsend & Osborne in central defence.
Another slick move midway through the first half resulted in the only goal of the match with Jason Street collecting the ball in the opposing ‘D’ and calmly passing to the lively Andy Shaw to bury a reverse stick shot in the back of the net.
Buccs increased the pressure at times but Shepton continued to make goal scoring chances, keeping their discipline and holding their shape, to see out a very promising 1-0 victory. Hugo Maistrello yet again proving what an amazing goalkeeper he is.
A great team performance with the man of the match award shared between Tom & Matt Woodlock
26 Nov 2016 Chippenham C 1 Shepton Mallet B 2
Following on from last week’s return to winning ways, Shepton Mallet 3rd team were keen to keep the run going.
The game started evenly with both teams probing each other’s defence but neither could find the break through early on. Shepton’s first and only shot of the half came when a superb crash ball from Mike Locke was picked up by Tom Ward in the middle of the D and flicked it past the rushing Chippenham keeper.
The second half continued much like the first with both sides finding the space needed but not making many chances. Chippenham midway through the half won a string of short corners, many of which didn’t bother the Shepton defence. In the end the the game was drawn level when a crossed ball found an unmarked forward who slotted past the diving Mike Laird in the Shepton sticks.
As the half wore on, Shepton started to build up play and pile the pressure on the hosts. With just minutes to go the visitors snatched all 3 points when Archie Agabani picked up the ball just outside the D and ghosted past a number of defenders shaking of fouls before unleashing a wicked reverse stick shot past the Chippenham keeper.
Man of the Match: Mac Jessop for his control of the midfield
19 Nov 2016 Shepton Mallet B 3 Team Bath Buccs G 2
For Shepton Mallet thirds recent results have seen them narrowly pushed out on taking any points, but this week was a return back to winning ways. Up against a side carrying more experience this was always going to be a challenging encounter. From the first to the last whistle this was an intense and quick played fixture .
Buccs found themselves on for much of the first half and took their first goal from a well struck short corner. It could have been more but an inform Mike Laird between the sticks was quickly well positioned to thwart the visitors strikes at goal.
The second half restarted knowing that Shepton needed to score next to get back into the game. As the half wore on, the younger fitter Shepton side started to find the space for some attacks of their own and it wasn’t long until they drew level with a well worked short corner that saw Tom Ward beat the first man before pushing the ball into the corner of the goal. Ward quickly added his second when Andy Shaw found him unmarked on the penalty spot to easily hit past the rushing keeper.
Suddenly Buccs found themselves on the back foot and started to throw more into their attacks. For the majority the backline of Ian Hardwick, Paul Townsend, Oli Blackridge and Darrell Chainey were more than equal. However the defence was breached when an accurate through ball was pounced on by the Buccs forward who beat Laird at the second time of asking.
Heads could have easily dropped at this point but with just 5 minutes of the game left Shepton resumed their attacking form. Will Hardwick, Ed Blythe and Mac Jessop started pressing high on the backline allowing Ward to pounce on a defenders mistake and rush towards goal. A well placed Ed Hardwick was once again on hand to receive a cross and beat the keeper with a well slapped shot.
Man of the Match: Mike Laird
12 Nov 2016 Swindon B 2 Shepton Mallet 1
This week a youthful bare 11 travelled to second place Swindon in a hope to return to winning ways. It was Shepton who started the stronger with Ed Blythe and Tom Ward combining well to win a short corner in the opening few seconds. Unfortunately the changes in personnel meant the routine that followed wasn’t as slick as it could be and chance was squandered. Shepton continued to press well pinning Swindon into their half for much of the first 10 minutes. However it was the hosts who scored first against the run of play when a well struck initial shot was cleared the Swindon forward reacted quickly to find the net. Unfortunately just minutes later Shepton went two behind through a very similar goal. As th half died away Shepton were unlucky not to grab a goal themselves from well slapped short corner shot from which was well saved by the diving keeper.
After a rousing team talk from skipper Paul Townsend though Shepton began to string passes in attack together with Blythe and Ryan Longman winning the midfield battle and an injured Hugo Broad did his best to get up and down with the play ensuring that Shepton kept the momentum. Swindon though were still enjoying the odd venture into the Shepton D but with Bob Wolff in impressive form in between the sticks they were unable to stretch their lead.
Shepton’s only goal came with just 10 minutes to go when Ward beat the centre backs and after drawing the keeper slipped the ball to Ed Hardwick who slapped the ball past the scrambling defender crashing into the backboard.
Suddenly Shepton were back in the game and they pilled the pressure on winning short corners but the routines weren’t working today and the scoreline remained at 2-1. Special mention should go to Ed and Will Hardwick who in their first season of mens hockey played a full 70 minutes aand showed real maturity today and their abilities to not only hold up the ball, grab goals, pass the ball on but also terrorise their marking players!
Man of the Match: Ryan Longman.
8 Oct North Wilts 2nd XI 4 Shepton Mallet 3rd XI 0
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Shepton travelled to Swindon hopefully of notching up their second win. The game started with Shepton looking the brighter and could have been a goal up when Tom Ward dispossessed the centre back but scuffed the opportunity. Numerous attacks followed with chances for both William and Ed Hardwick going narrowly wide.
As the half wore on Wilts got into the game and started to test the Shepton defence. With a few minutes left in the half Wilts took the lead through a fortuitous lobbed short corner flick. Shepton could have drawn level just moments later but Mac Jessop could only find the keepers pads.
The second half started with the hosts enjoying the possession and they soon doubled their lead again from a short corner. Shepton felt the game starting to slip away and although a few half chances fell to the visitors the goal wouldn’t come. North Wilts got their third when a Shepton attack left their left side vulnerable which Wilts pounced on to overwhelm the Shepton defence.
Shepton in the last 10 minutes finally started to get a grip on the game with Mike Locke, James Weelen, Jessop and Ward finding the space to get around the Wilts defence, but that final shot was evading them. North Wilts final goal came in the final few minutes again on another counter attack.
Man of the Match: James Weelen
1 Oct Shepton Mallet Mens 3rd XI 3 West Wilts Mens 5th XI 0
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This week saw the start league hockey for the 2016/17 season. A new look 3rd XI saw five players handed their league debuts as the team started the campaign to improve on last year’s 3rd position.
Shepton looked the stronger from the start with midfield duo Paul Townsend and Mike Locke having the space to move the ball around. It wasn’t long into the game and the hosts started to test the opposition keeper with Hugo Broad unlucky not to convert a one on one early on. Shepton’s first goal came midway through the half George Edge picked the ball up inside the 22 and drifted in D before unleashing a strike into the bottom corner.
As the half wore on Wilts did generate some attacks but centre back Ian Hardwick and keeper Mike Laird were always up to the task.
The second half saw Shepton beginning to gel creating more chances with William Hardwick and Doug Howell both testing the keeper. The second goal finally came mid-way through the half when Tom Ward was bundled off the ball in the D and James Weelen deflected the subsequent short corner.
Further attacks came with Ed Blythe and Oli Blackridge having success at crossing the ball. As the visitors back line tired gaps opened and final goal came when a quick free hit from Philip Ballan-Whitfield found Ward who drove round the back and slipped the ball to debutant Ed Hardwick for Shepton’s third.
Man of the Match: Oli Blackridge for his tireless attacks from right back.
13 Mar Shepton Mallet B 4 Chippenham C 2
Shepton’s third team concluded their campaign in GoCrea8 East Central Division 2 with a well-deserved home win against Chippenham. Shepton dominated the first fifteen minutes but found themselves a goal behind when a defensive slip let in the visiting centre forward to slip the ball past Joe Osborne in goal. But Shepton soon equalised when Ambrose Hawks poked home at the end of a goal-mouth scramble and then took the lead before half-tim...e when Archie Heath found Darrell Chainey in acres of space in the circle to fire into the bottom corner. Chippenham posed more of a threat in the second half on the break but Shepton dominance of possession continued and they extended their lead when debutant Ed Ogle slipped the ball to Hawks who smashed the ball into the side netting from the top of the circle. Chippenham closed the gap again two minutes later with a good finish from an acute angle, but the game was put beyond reach when Archie Heath pulled the ball back for Hawks to complete his hat-trick. Shepton finish only their second season in a very credible third place, only one point off the promotion places.
Phillip’s Tyres man of the match: Ambrose Hawks
DOD: Joe Heath (you need a hockey stick to play hockey!)
5 Mar Wootton Bassett B 1 Shepton Mallet B 1
Shepton clinched third place is GoCrea8 East Central 2 with a hard-fought point away at Wootton Basset.Shepton controlled the first half with skipper Darrell Chainey playing just in front of the back three and continually feeding Ambrose Hawks and Archie Heath in midfield to set up their attacks. Max Chainey nearly opened the scoring when his deflected shot came back off the cross bar before Tom Ward was denied when clean through against the home keeper. But Mallet deservedly took the lead when Archie Heath finished a short corner after Hugo Broad’s first shot had been saved.
The tide turned in the second half and with the wind behind them Bassett pressed hard for the equalizer. Shepton weren’t helped by an injury to their goal-scorer which lost some energy from midfield. Glenn Treasure and keeper Joe Osborne helped withstand the increasing pressure but the home side eventually drew level from their third short corner.Shepton complete their league campaign on Saturday at home to Chippenham C at 11.30am at Shepton Mallet Leisure Centre.
Phillips Tyres' Man of the Match: Glenn Treasure
27 Feb Shepton Mallet B 6 Team Bath Buccs G 0
Shepton’s third team produced another dominant display to comfortably defeat ten-man Buccs, although the win was pleasantly overshadowed by a half-time to remember.
Hugo Broad opened the scoring with a speculative shot that deflected past the stranded keeper before Will Sheen doubled their lead before half time with a terrific solo run and reverse stick finish.
A surprise was then sprung on midfielder Alex Reina at half time when long-term girlfriend Aimee Lewis proposed with the help of their two boys and the rest of the team. To everyone’s relief, the answer was yes!
Two-nil became four-nil within ten minutes of the interval with James Walker grabbing a well-taken brace of goals. And later in the game two assists from man of the match Archie Heath set up first Tom Ward and then Max Chainey to complete the scoring.
Phillip’s Tyres Man of the Match: Archie Heath
DOD: Tom Ward (pirouetting)
20 Feb Swindon B 0 Shepton Mallet B 7
Shepton rekindled their hopes of promotion in Gocrea8 East Central 2 with an emphatic away win in the wind and rain in Swindon. They dominated the first half with the wind at their backs but Ward, Killen and Ballan-Whitfield squandered chances to take lead. They edged in front before half time when Ward crossed for Hawks to slot home from close range.
The pressure continued in the second half but playing against the strong wind the team rea...lised that passing the ball would be more effective than dribbling and the goals soon flowed. Callum Deans provided two assists, first for Ward and then for Sam Pritchard which made it three nil. Ballan Whitfield cooly slotted home Shepton's fourth before Pritchard and Hawks each grabbed their second before Alex Reina completed the scoring with a deflected flick.
13 Feb Shepton Mallet B 2 West Wilts C 2
A last minute goal from Tom Ward earned Shepton a draw they thoroughly deserved.
Shepton made the best possible start, scoring with their first attack in the first minute of the game. Good work from Callum Deans set up Andy Shaw to cross the ball for Ambrose Hawks to sweep home. West Wilts responded well and were dangerous on the break but Ward nearly doubled Shepton's advantage when clean through, only to be thwarted by an excellent save by the away keeper.
Shepton dominated possession and territory in the second half with Mike Squire and Andy Shaw both having great chances to extend their lead. But West Wilts, with some excellent youth players on show, wouldn't lie down and deflected two goals in ten minutes gave them the advantage with ten minutes to go.
But Mallet showed great resilience themselves and grabbed the equaliser when Hugo Broad put it on a plate for Ward to slam home.
Man of the match: Callum Deans
DOD: Ambrose Hawks (card & back sticks)
6 Feb Marlborough B 3 Shepton Mallet B 1
Shepton’s winning run came to an end away at second-placed Marlborough B in GoCraea8 East Central Division 2. The day didn’t start well when illness forced the team to travel with only ten men and no goal-keeper; and with star striker and club chairman Tom Ward left at home celebrating the arrival of his first offspring, the odds were against the visitors.
The first half was a very even encounter with both teams having chances but without dominating the game. First Alex Reina and then Hugo Broad nearly scored from consecutive short corners but it was the home side who gained the half-time advantage when the ball fell kindly to the right-winger who slotted home into the empty net.
Shepton continued to work hard in the second half but it was Marlborough who struck again ten minutes in with a looping shot from a right-wing cross. But Shepton hit back and halved the deficit when a crash ball from Darrell Chainey was deflected in by Hugo Broad for his first goal of the season. But it proved only a consolation and the result was sealed ten minutes from time with another soft goal despite the defenders’ best efforts to keep it out.
Man of the Match: Glen Treasure
DOD: Archie Heath (cross-dressing)
30 Jan West Wilts D 0 Shepton Mallet B 3
Shepton’s third team made it four wins on the bounce with a spirited display away in Warminster despite only travelling with ten men. They were a little below par in the first half but managed to take the lead when a great reverse stick strike from James Walker caught the keeper off-guard. They only managed to maintain their advantage at half time when a fantastic save from Mike Laird denied the Wilts’ striker from point-blank range.The second half saw a much improved performance with midfielders Alex Reina, Max Chainey and Archie Heath controlling the game and creating numerous chances for Walker and fellow striker Hugo Broad. But they eventually doubled their lead through centre-back and skipper Darrell Chainey who converted a short corner through the keeper’s legs.More chances followed and the result was put beyond doubt when Max Chainey’s close range shot was blocked by a defender’s foot on the goal-line before Darrell Chainey grabbed his second from the resulting penalty flick.The win moves Shepton level on points with second-placed Marlborough who they face on Saturday in a difficult away fixture.
Phillips Tyres’ Man of the Match: Max Chainey
DOD: Tom Ward (potato chips)
23 Jan Shepton Mallet B 2 Bristol University D 1
Shepton’s third team made it three wins out of three in 2016 to stay in touch with the leaders at the top of Gocrea8 East Central 2. They took the lead when Tom Ward fired home making it seven goals in three games since Christmas for the keeper turned striker. But the students hit back to equalise to leave the scores level at half time.
Shepton controlled the game in the second half creating numerous chances but failed to find the killer touch and could have found themselves trailing but for a great goal-line clearance from Glen Treasure and some expert goalkeeping. But their dominance eventually told when Mike Spencer slotted home from 10 yards to seal the three points.
Phillips Tyres’ Man of the Match: Archie Heath
DOD:
16 Jan Chippenham D 0 Shepton Mallet B 8
Four goals in fifteen first half minutes by star striker Tom Ward helped Shepton’s third team to their highest win of the season away at Chippenham D. Shepton started like a train and took the lead within 3 minutes when Ambrose Hawks fired in with his reverse stick from an acute angle. And that sparked a goal flurry from Ward. His first was from very close range to ensure another Hawks shot crossed the line before he grabbed his second with a cool flick over the grounded keeper. A few minutes later he completed his hat-trick with a superb strike from a short corner and he bagged his fourth and his side’s fifth with another firm shot from 12 yards.
With the game won inside the first twenty minutes, Shepton took the foot off the gas for a while before twice extending their lead before half time. Mark Nash converted a short corner before Joe Heath scored his first goal for the club after Ward’s initial shot was saved.
The second half was a bit of an anti-climax. Shepton continued to control the game and create numerous chances but were less clinical in front of goal with a sole Nash strike from another penalty corner the only reward.
The win leaves Shepton fourth in GoCreat8 East Central 2, but only three points off top spot. Next week they entertain Bristol University at 11.30am at Shepton Leisure Centre.
Man of the Match: Tom Ward
DOD: Tom (Bambi) Ward
9 Jan 2016 Shepton Mallet B 3 North Wilts A 0
Shepton’s third team restarted their second season in GoCrea8 East Central Division 2 after the Christmas break with a solid home win against North Wilts.
They controlled the game throughout but lacked composure in the final third until striker Tom Ward charged through two defensive tackles before scoring from an acute angle. They could have scored a few more before half time with Mike Squire, Hugo Broad and debutant Harvey Thelwall-Williams all going close but the visitors kept them at bay with some defiant defence.
Mallet increased the pressure in the second half and eventually doubled their lead when a crash ball from Darrell Chainey was deflected past the keeper by Man of the Match Ward. Ward then turned down a few chances to complete his hat-trick before Squire made the game safe with a powerful shot from the top of the circle.
Phillips Tyres’ Man of the Match: Tom Ward
DOD: Tom Ward (jug avoidance, amongst other things)
12 Dec City of Bath C 7 Shepton Mallet B 1
Shepton’s young third team had a disappointing end to their pre-Christmas fixtures with a heavy defeat away at table-toppers City of Bath. With a couple of experienced players missing and two more filling in for the second team, they fielded their youngest team of the season with nine under-16s, including three under-14s.
Mallet started the game well and had the better of the opening exchanges with the midfield and attack demonstrating some excellent skills. But as the half progressed, the home side took control with two goals scored on the break. Shepton didn’t give up and pulled a goal back through Archie Killen but Bath restored their two-goal advantage before half time with a fortunate rebound.
Shepton continued to play their part in a competitive second half but their bare eleven tired as Bath rotated their 14 players and 3-1 became 7-1 before the match was concluded.
Phillips Tyres’ Man of the Match: Max Chainey
DOD: Hugo Broad (keepy uppy)
5 Dec Chippenham C 2 Shepton Mallet B 1
Shepton’s thirds were disappointed not to come away with at least a share of the spoils in a close encounter in GoCrea8 East Central Division 2.
Traffic issues meant that Shepton played half of the first half with only ten men but they gave as good as they got and could have taken the lead through Tom Ward but he failed to connect onto a rebound after his initial, powerful shot from a short corner was saved. Ironically, Shepton fell behind shortly after fielding eleven players when a Chippenham short corner strike was unluckily deflected past the stranded Joe Osborne by Maxim Cooper.
Shepton responded well and equalised before half time from a short corner of their own. Skipper Darrell Chainey evaded the outrushing defenders before slapping the ball into the bottom corner.
The second half proved to be as competitive as the first with chances at both ends. The home snatched the winner from another short corner but Shepton had chances to equalise, the best falling to Ward who again failed to connect properly when clear in the circle.
Despite the loss, Shepton remain level on points with second-placed Marlborough after an excellent first half to the season. The reverse fixtures start next week with a tough away trip to table-toppers City of Bath.
Phillip’s Tyres Man of the Match: Max Chainey
DOD: Archie Heath (lack of opening sachet skills & dodgy back pass)
28 Nov Shepton Mallet B 5 Wootton Bassett B 0
Club chairman Tom Ward hit a second-half hat-trick as Shepton kept up with the pacesetters at the top of GoCrea8 East Central 2. Shepton, missing their midfield stalwart Alex Reina, started slowly and it was their visitors who had the better of the early exchanges with Joe Osborne forced to make a couple of great saves to keep the scores level. But the home side found their way into the game as the half continued and could have gone ahead themselves with Max Chainey, Ward, Hugo Broad and Mike Squire all spurning great opportunities to take the lead in a goalless first half.
Shepton changed up a gear in the second half, marking more tightly and passing more accurately. They deservedly took the lead when Squire fired home from their first short corner and Ward grabbed the second a few minutes later from their second short corner, drilling the ball through the keeper’s legs. Ward, playing his first season on field after many years in goal, grabbed his second from the flick spot after his shot had hit a defender’s body on the line. And he completed his hat-trick slapping home Squire’s cross after good work from Archie Heath. Squire bagged his second from another short corner to confirm a result that looked unlikely at half time.
Phillips Tyres’ Man of the Match: Tom Ward
DOD: Tom Ward (Commando)
21 Nov TBB G 0 Shepton Mallet B 2
Shepton’s young third team produced a terrific high-energy display to overcome third placed Bath Buccs and leap-frog them in GoCrea8 East Central 2.
Shepton had the better of the first half with wingers Joe Fone, Joe Heath and Hugo Broad creating two good chances for Tom Ward, who just failed to find the target on each occasion. And they deservedly took lead after 20 minutes with a great team goal. A fantastic passing move ended with Ward being thwarted by the Buccs keeper before Ambrose Hawks slotted the ball home.
Shepton’s experienced defence soaked up some pressure in the second half with Joe Osborne making some high-class saves when called upon. But gaps opened up at the other end and Mallet doubled their lead when Archie Heath robbed the centre-back before beating the keeper to earn his first senior goal for the club. Shepton continued to work hard to close out the game and win their first three points for three weeks.
Phillips Tyres’ Man of the Match: Archie Heath (edging out Ambrose Hawks)
DOD: Tom Ward (yet another clean sheet) Editor: may be a bit harsh – edging out Harry and his tasty tassels.
14 November 2015 Shepton Mallet B 1 Swindon B 1
Shepton managed to hold on in the second half to earn a draw at home to Swindon in a competitive game between the division’s 4th and 5th placed sides.
Shepton had the better of a wet first half and took the lead when Max Chainey won a short corner which was hammered home by Mike Squire. But they failed to extend their lead despite some promising attacks. The best chance fell to Tom Ward but he failed to connect when 10 yards out before ending in a heap on the floor.
Swindon stepped up a gear in the second half, pressing higher up the pitch and putting Mallet under a lot more pressure. But the defence held firm with Joe Osborne making a couple of good saves and Philip Ballan-Whitfield a spectacular goal-line clearance. Swindon’s high press allowed Shepton to play on the counter attack but Ward, Broad and Squire all failed to find the net at the end of promising moves.
Eventually Swindon’s pressure told and they found the corner of the net from 8 yards with 5 minutes left on the clock, to deny Shepton their 6th victory of the season.
Shepton stay in 4th place in East Central 2 and next week face a touch encounter away at Bath Buccs G.
Phillips Tyres’ Man of the Match: Phillip Ballan-Whitfield
DOD: Tom needs a barn door Ward. (Goal fest just around the corner.)
7 November 2015 West Wilts C 6 Shepton Mallet B 1
Shepton’s wining run came to a disappointing end away in Warminster despite playing some excellent hockey for long periods of the match.Shepton started the game well, playing far more attractive hockey than their hosts with Hawks, Reina, Archie Heath and Max Chainey linking well in midfield. And they should have taken the lead after 15 minutes when Hawks’ cross eluded the keeper but Ward somehow failed to tap the ball home as it rolled along the goal line.
West Wilts then started to find their way and took the lead shortly afterwards from a flick that was surprisingly not ruled to be from outside the circle. And one-nil became four-nil before half time as the Shepton’s defence failed to deal with the long-ball bombardment and the experienced West Wilts’ forwards.
Shepton rallied at half time and returned to their pass and move game that had proved so successful in recent weeks. Broad, Walker and Hawks all went close but it was Ward who eventually grabbed their consolation from close range with his reverse stick. West Wilts grabbed two more as Shepton tired but Shepton could easily have scored two or three more themselves and were unlucky not to be playing against ten men on a couple of occasions following blatant fouls by the home side. Debutant Harry Heath was floored when clean through and Wilts’ main goal threat could have seen yellow on at least two occasions after losing his cool.
Shepton‘s display arguably deserved more but it wasn’t to be their day and will rue missed chances and defensive lapses. They hope to bounce back next week at home to Swindon at 1pm at Shepton Leisure Centre.
Phillips Tyres’ Man of the Match: Hugo Broad
DOD: Tom Ward (miss of the season)
31 Oct 2015 Shepton Mallet B 3 Marlborough B 1
It was third against first as Shepton entertained table toppers Marlborough at Shepton Leisure Centre. An even first quarter saw defences on top and neither side creating any clear-cut opportunities. But the away side took the lead after 15 minutes from a well-worked short corner.
Mallet responded well and pushed the Marlborough midfield back, dominating territory and possession towards the end of the first half. Twice Mike Squire came close to levelling but twice the ball flew just past the post.
Shepton’s young side maintained their work rate at the start of the second half and deservedly levelled ten minutes in. Tom Ward forced the penalty corner and Alex Reina fired home from the top of the circle to raise hopes of a home win. Shepton didn’t hold back and took the lead half way through the second half from another short corner won by the wizardry of Ward. This time Mike Squire’s shot was saved on the line by a defender’s foot but Mac Jessop was there to tap into the empty net.
Marlborough fought back, creating a brief spell of pressure but a fantastic double save by 13-year-old Joe Osborne kept the visitors at bay. But they weathered the storm and wrapped up the victory a minute from time through a fine finish from Squire.
Shepton move up to second in East Central 2, level on points with league leaders City of Bath and next week visit West Wilts C in Warminster.
Phillips Tyres’ Man of the Match: Joe Osborne
DOD: Archie Heath (giving the ball the run-around)
24 Oct 2015 Shepton Mallet B 1 West Wilts D 0
Shepton’s third team thoroughly deserved their narrow victory to make it three wins out of four and move up to fourth in East Central 2. Shepton started brightly but it was their visitors who had the best chances in the first quarter of the game, winning a couple of short corners and forcing keeper Osborne to make a fine save to keep the game goalless. As the half developed, Mallet exerted more control and nearly took the lead when Hawks’ reverse-stick effort drifted just wide.
A stern half-time team talk paid dividends as Shepton completely dominated the second half. They played with a higher tempo and their movement off the ball started to stretch the West Wilts’ defence. Midfielders Jessop, Reina and Chainey played searching balls into the circle, with forwards Ward, Broad and Heath just failing to find the decisive touch. Eventually Shepton’s pressure told and they finally broke the deadlock half-way through the second half. Alex Reina received a short corner and his firm shot from the top of the circle found its way to the backboard via a defender’s foot. For the rest of the game, the pressure continued with keeper Osborne a mere observer but Shepton failed to stretch their lead despite their domination.
Shepton face a tougher test next week at home to table-toppers Marlborough at 11.30am at Shepton Leisure Centre.
Phillip’s Tyres man of the match: Alex Reina
DOD: Hugo Broad
10 Oct 2015 Shepton Mallet B 5 Chippenham D 0
Shepton’s thirds produced another dominant display to make it two wins out of three and move up to within a point of the top of East Central 2.They raced to a three-nil lead in the first 15 minutes of the game. Andy Shaw grabbed the first, forcing the ball home from close range before Mac Jessop made it two from a well worked short corner. Centre-back Darrell Chainey then grabbed the third, after good work from Tom Ward, his first goal for years.
The goals then dried up for a period as Mallet’s passing game went missing, and Joe Osborne was called into action in goal to keep the visitors at bay. But the home side made it 4-0 before half time when Luke Brown was in the right place to slot home from 2 yards out.Shepton continued to control the game in the second half, camping in their opponents half for long periods, but Chippenham defended heroically with their keeper producing some fantastic saves. Shepton nearly conceded themselves but Osborne saved the day with a point blank save from close range and they finally made it 5-0 ten minutes from time, when a good run and cross from Andy Shaw was met by Brown to net his second.Shepton face a tough test next week away at Bristol University.
Phillips Tyres Man of the Match: Harry Chainey
DOD: Luke Brown (flooring a junior and jug avoidance)
3 Oct 2015 North Wilts B 0 Shepton Mallet B 5
Shepton’s thirds bounced back from a heavy defeat last week to produce a dominant display against Swindon-based North Wilts and secure their first three points of the season.
Shepton dominated possession from the first whistle with Reina and Herbert controlling the centre of the park, and Max Chainey and Mac Jessop finding plenty of space out wide. They took the lead on 20 minutes when Reina strolled unchallenged into the circle before beating the keeper at his near post with a reverse stick sweep.
Shepton continued to boss the game but failed to extend their lead before half time. Ward and Hawks both went close but the opposition keeper stood firm.
After the break Shepton’s passing game upped a gear and their full backs Harry Chainey and Ballan-Whitfield pushed further forward to join the attacks. The pressure finally earned dividends when an excellent move involving six players ended with Max Chainey crossing to Ward to power home.
Two soon became three when Reina’s cross from the right was met by Ballan-Whitfield who slotted home from 8 yards. And a brace from Herbert completing the scoring. His first was a finish from close range before a drag flick found the roof of the net from a penalty corner.
Next Saturday Shepton entertain Chippenham D at 11.30am Shepton Mallet Leisure Centre.
MOM: Phillip Ballan-Whitfield
DOD: Matt Herbert (second half arial)
26 Sept 2015 Shepton Mallet B 1 City of Bath C 9
Shepton’s 3rds, fielding only two players over 18, battled hard in their opening league encounter in East Central 2 but were overpowered by a strong Bath side who had dropped down a division from last season. Shepton started brightly with Jessop and Brown linking well in attack and Ballan-Whitfield marshalling the defence on his league debut for the club. And they took a surprise lead after 15 minutes when a sublime ball inside the full-back from Chainey was picked up by right-winger Hawks to touch past the outrushing Bath keeper.
This prompted Bath to up a gear and they were level within 2 minutes with a scrappy goal leaving 13-year old Osborne no chance between the posts. Mallet continued to play well and gave as good as they got but two quick goals ten minutes before the interval put Bath in control at half time.
The flood gates opened in the second half as Shepton’s bare eleven struggled to keep hold of the ball. Gaps opened up in defence and 3-1 became 9-1 within 20 minutes. But the troops rallied and Shepton could easily have pulled a couple of goals back in the last ten minutes with Brown and Hawks both going close.
Phillips Tyres Man of the Match: Leo Boot
19 September 2015 Shepton Mallet B 0 Mendip A 7
Lots of practice in defence in the first half - battled hard, conceded lots of shorts - but only two nil down.
Similar story in second half but not one short corner - just goals instead. Lesson learnt in not giving the ball away.
But a good pre-season friendly - we had a better work out than they did. Great debut from P B-W and thanks lots to the late call-ups.
Oh, and Nasher played for 5 mins - Archie set him up a treat and he missed a sitter!! Roll on next week.
