Bees Sting Local Rivals

An early start at nearby Armitage for the game vs Didsbury. Past encounters have always been close with the previous season seeing a 2-2 draw and a Didsbury win in the return fixture.

The game started at a high tempo and it was end to end hockey. Didsbury created the first chance with a well hit short corner that Colasurdo managed to get a stick onto and deflect wide. It wasn't long after, however, as the Bees took the lead. Stephenson working hard down the left which Hornsby finished well.

Didsbury felt a little hard done by and the counter attack was their undoing again as a quick break involving Reid on the right and Rigby up the middle ended in Stephenson sweeping in from the back post after a great ball from Hornsby.

Didsbury didn't roll over and they continued their pressure. Leonard was run ragged on the left as Scholes, Souter and Ainsley controlled the centre of the park. It was a rare mistake, however, that left the Didsbury forward unmarked in the D where a well placed shot found it's way into the goal, Colasurdo left no chance.

As the half time break loomed, the Bees scored a vital third as a Stephenson shot came back off the post, straight to Hampton who couldn't miss from the front of the open goal. Half time 3-1 Bees.

Didsbury came out much stronger in the second half, determined to pull the game back. Bottomley got into a small altercation with the home teams defender and Stewart on the right did well to contain the constant threat down the Didsbury left. The defence and midfield worked well to keep the attacks at bay and a goal mouth scramble was pushed away by Colasurdo. The pace of Reid, Stephenson and Rigby was too much and the counter attack worked to perfection yet again, this time Greenhough adding to his tally with another assist from Hornsby.

The Bees had more chances to finish the game off. Rigby unfortunate to get in the way of a goal-bound shot and Stephenson just off target as his shot hit the side netting. Didsbury made for a nervous ending as a short corner routine found an unmarked striker at the back post to tap in.

Colasurdo had time for one more save as he just managed to get his toe to a deflected shot that would have made it a one goal game. 4-2 final score, a well deserved Bees win.

Man of the Match votes were very close, always the sign of a good team performance, but Colasurdo pipped it by one vote. DoD was awarded to Rigby for his goalkeeper antics to prevent goal number 5!