On Saturday 20th August, South Manchester Hockey Club hosted a preseason friendly against Manchester Hockey Club.

Despite several absentees and highly skilled opposition, the game provided an opportunity for some much needed minutes ahead of the 2022/23 hockey season.

The game also saw the return of much-revered 2nd Team Captain, Ian Whitehead, after a 3-week sabbatical.

The game started with the opponents taking the game to South Manchester with some scintillating hockey, resulting in numerous clear-cut chances.

Despite being under the cosh for the majority of the opening 35 minutes, the bees dug-in and, were very nearly rewarded with a goal, mid-way through the first half, when Petr Krunka clinically despatched a mistake from the opposition goalkeeper. Unfortunately for the bees, this was later chalked off by the home umpire.

Somewhat miraculously, the two sides looked to be heading into half-time on level terms after a flurry of wasted chances from the opposition and some excellent goalkeeping, as well as a missed penalty flick and an off-the-line clearance or two.

Sadly for the bees, the pressure would eventually tell, with the opposition converting a short-corner just 30-seconds from the half-time interval.

Despite their continued efforts in the second half, South Manchester would eventually lose the game 3-0.

Written by Ben Greenwood.