Bees lose their Buzz

The Bees lost 2-1 in a tight encounter as Neston close the gap. However, lots of positives over the first half of the season as SMHC remain 2nd, taking 22 points from 10 games.

South Manchester arrived at Neston in plenty of time but unfortunately, home umpire Stewart decided to watch another game a few miles down the road at another pitch. He arrived minutes before the 1.30pm start!

To describe this team as Neston '7s' would be... well, plain wrong. Confirmed afterwards on the team photos in the Neston clubhouse, this was a combination of 5s, 6s and maybe a one or two from even higher so it was always going to be a tough game for the Bees. However, if the Bees want to progress in the North West leagues, this is the standard that they must accustom to.

The first 10 minutes were end to end hockey, both teams playing good, smooth passes. Neston looked to dominate, slowing play down and holding possession. The Bees tried their usual fast paced, counter attack play. It was the Bees who took the lead after 15 mins as build up on the right from Ainsley, helped by Bottomley and Leonard found Stephenson darting in from the left who picked out Hampton to make it 1-0. The Bees had the momentum and it looked like they might be able to pull away early. The game turned, however, after young right winger Ainsley, sitting on the side as a substitute, was yellow carded for dissent. Captain Hampton was not impressed and had to take himself off as the Bees were down to 10 men. The loss of the player and the bickering between the away side told as Neston threw men forward, eventually finding a gap for the striker to burst into the D and slot it through Colasurdo's legs.

Even with 10 men, SMHC pushed forward. Afonje constantly made attacking moves from left back and Critten, Scholes and Souter all had solid games and soaked up many Neston attacks. However, it was a short corner right before half time which put the home team ahead for the first time. The first effort was cleared out by Bottomley, but not quite far enough out of the D as Neston managed to scramble it back in and lift into the net to make it 2-1 at half time.

The second half was a scrappy affair as the Bees looked to push forward and Neston looked to take any chances offered. Many plays broke down in the middle as Greenhough was given very few opportunities in the D. The best chance for an equaliser was, perhaps, a short corner for the Bees as Afonje drifted in from the left but he didn't make proper contact and it was cleared away. he has scored many like that this season but, fortunately for Neston, not today.

Neston controlled the game and ran Rigby and Hornsby ragged in the middle. The Bees did well to prevent further goals and only the tip of Colasurdo's toe stopped a third towards the end. Not the best performance of the season and it will be interesting to see the Neston team that travels to Manchester later in the season.

Man of the Match was awarded to Critten for his work at the back and DoD for Ainsley for his silly yellow card. A 5 week break before another hockey game but the Bees can be proud about their league position so far. Merry Christmas everyone! Up the Bees!