Words by: Liam Kent
Four goals in the second half for Sheffield Hallam men’s 1’s saw them defeat University of Sheffield 5-2 on Tuesday to keep up their recent dominance of Varsity hockey. When the two sides met last year, Hallam were 10-1 winners and though they went into this game heavy favourites, they didn’t have things their own way as University of Sheffield went into half time in the lead.
Hallam didn’t play to the best of their abilities in the first half despite taking an early lead and the game had a traditional cup upset feel about it as once University of Sheffield went ahead, they were forced into lots of defending with Hallam having most of the possession. That possession eventually paid off and Hallam secured the win.
Hallam currently play in the division above University of Sheffield and this was evident in the games early stages. The game started with the home side applying some pressure on their opponents and managed to open the scoring. A good passing move unlocked the University of Sheffield defence and a pass from the left found Tom Barratt in the area and he tapped the ball home.
University of Sheffield kept fighting and were soon level thanks partly to a mistake by Hallam. A cross field pass was intercepted by Owen Davies and he sprinted into the box before getting the better of Hallam ‘keeper Josh Parkinson and firing into the net.
It wasn’t long before University of Sheffield scored again to take a surprise lead. The ball was worked into the Hallam area and James Cozens received the ball before turning and shooting past Parkinson.
They took this lead into half time and there were some worried faces amongst the Hallam faithful as despite Hallam’s possession, they were being stifled and frustrated. However, Hallam would have been inspired by the men’s 2’s earlier victory and confident they would eventually break down the resilient University of Sheffield defence.
The second half started with Hallam resuming their pressure on the University of Sheffield goal and eventually it paid dividends as Hallam equalised before taking the lead moments later. The leveller came through Barratt once again as he turned in a rebound from close range after the University of Sheffield ‘keeper spilt a shot and moments later, Liam Ansell attacked down the right wing before listing a shot high into net, leaving the University of Sheffield ‘keeper helpless.
After retaking the lead, Hallam were desperate not to let it go again and as the game approached its final stages, they managed to double their lead. They were awarded a short corner and Gareth Furlong was on hand to get the decisive shot.
Hallam’s fifth and final goal also came as a result of a short corner. Brendan Creed fed the ball to his team mates on the edge of the area but after their shot was blocked, it rolled kindly back to Creed who had space to drive the ball into the back of the net.
Though the win wasn’t as comprehensive as last year’s, Hallam will be delighted with it just the same and it finished off a great day for Hallam in general as they look to stage an amazing comeback and take back the Varsity crown.
