Hockey: Allwood wants Ramblers to improve after defeat

Feb 1 2008 by Alec Doyle, Chester Chronicle

SKIPPER Graham Allwood was disappointed with his Deeside Ramblers team as they lost their Northern League Premier Division clash with Oxton 4-1.

Saturday’s home defeat was a result of a poor team performance, according to Allwood.

“We didn’t play well, we just didn’t gel as a team,” he said. “There were other factors, not having any luck being among them, but we should have done better.”

Ramblers’ goal came from Russ Hornby, a player-coach signed during the Christmas break to replace crocked captain Matt Allen. Josh Guy was Ramblers’ man of the match.

Deeside Ladies had a more fruitful encounter, with a 2-1 victory over Preston Ladies.

The former National League outfit are the only side to have beaten Deeside this season, and the ladies were not prepared to let them claim a second at the weekend.

Nevertheless, a nervous start by Deeside saw Preston put them under the cosh for most of the first half. The visitors camped in the Deeside circle but, despite numerous shots on goal and eight penalty corners, Preston failed to capitalise on their chances thanks to some amazing saves from Nicky Capes in goal and defensive steel by Anne Allwood, Pat Wells, Ange Parker and Roes Symms.

Just before half-time, Preston broke the deadlock by scoring from a counter-attacking move.

Deeside were determined, however, and scored the equaliser in the second half through slick passing between Amy Brickland and Pat Wells, followed by a cool finish from Claire Pearson.

Preston were clearly rattled but any ideas they had of attacking were soon stonewalled by Deeside. With 10 minutes left to play, Deeside scored the winner as Roe Symms fired the ball to Claire Pearson who hit it first time past the Preston keeper.

Seven Deeside Ramblers players featured in Cheshire Under 15s’ 9-1 victory over Shropshire on Sunday.

The match was played at Ramblers’ Tarporley base and the “home” players involved were: Jonny Verity of Beeston, Ed Peel of Christleton, Harry Dodd-Moore of Dodleston, Nantwich-based George Cope and Josh Guy, Tom Hill and Martyn Lear, all of Cuddington.