Chester Thwarted by Triton

Following the pandemic that has struck the globe, everyone was happy to be allowed to enjoy a competitive hockey match, albeit the weather didn’t quite want it to be a nice day!

Preparations were hampered with the whole team being late, a new pitch at Alsager Sports Hub left the team lost and hectic trying to find the playing surface. The warm up was interrupted a little bit more after Josh Curry managed to clear the fence and smash a brand new 4x4 driving past! Once we were able to get things going the tone for the day was set, misplaced passes, poor trapping lose shooting would all be a key theme for the first half.

The game itself got off to a frantic start in some wet and dismal conditions, with both sides attacking at a pace neither would be able to continue. The pitch was slick and bouncy, causing mistrals and poor passing across the board. An early rest for Mat Oakley meant the Chester players had to endure 15 minutes down to 10 men. During this time there were too many mistakes from the Chester players, which led to a chance for the Triton forwards to latch onto and walk the ball in. This lead was doubled a few minutes later from a penalty corner, with the Chester captain turning the ball into his own net on the left post.

After a stirring an honest assessment from all players during half time, the Chester players came out with a much higher work rate and intensity, chasing the ball down all over the pitch, working hard as unfits to win the ball back higher up the pitch and create chances of their.own. It wouldn’t be long before Mat Oakley worked his way through the ‘D’ winning a penalty corner. Will Atkinson remained calm on the top to slot home his first goal of the season, with Chester right back in the hunt. The game continued with Chester piling on the pressure, creating opportunities without really testing the Triton goal. Chances flashed by the posts, set pieces went by without any real threat, and the game petered out to a disappointing loss for the travelling Blues.

Following his pre game shenanigans with the traffic, Josh Curry was unfortunate to be voted DOD, with Alan Stuart making his debut for the club be given the MOM award.