Before the storm hit, there were clear blue skies above the War Memorial, as league leaders Adel hosted Richmond in the latest game of North East Division Two. The end of the season is in sight, and every point is even more valuable now, both for those teams chasing the title and those fighting for survival.
That was the story of these two teams – Adel sitting at the summit of the league, holding on to their position by a single point, with Richmond one place from the bottom position by the same margin.
The first half began much the same as many of Adel’s previous games, with them immediately creating a tempo that their opposition struggled to compete with, forcing their opponents into making mistakes that they could take advantage of. The pressure exerted by the home side, soon created a series of short corners allowing Gareth Maver to show his accuracy from a set piece. A beautifully taken shot from the top of the area sped past all the defenders and crossed the line an inch inside the post, leaving the Richmond keeper with no chance of getting in the way.
On a usual day, the first goal would signal the start of a goal-fest as Adel would look to overpower their opposition by sheer force of will.
Richmond were not going to be that easy however, as they knuckled down and began to show some good play, putting together quick passes to try escape the high press Adel had set up. The ball would be cleared by the Richmond defence, only for it to come straight back at them as the home side increased the pressure.
As it has in so many of their games this season, the pressure soon started to create more and more clear-cut chances, and soon Adel had added to their lead. A slick passing move was finished off by Will Purdey as he scored the first of his two for the day. Richmond seemed to submit to the inevitable at this point and although they never stopped fighting, it was clear they were playing a game of damage limitation. Three more goals before the end of the game – Purdy getting his second and both Alex Belshire and James Stroomer keeping their run of goals going, meant a five-goal win for the Men of Adel.
Coach Simon Ball holds his players to a very high standard, evident in his feeling that the game was ‘poor quality but enough for the three points’. This is in no way derogatory towards either team, but is more a statement that despite the result, he feels that there are still areas of the Adel game that can be improved.
The rearranged game, versus Driffield, that was due to be played on Sunday, was once more postponed due to weather. This game between first and third, could be the deciding factor on final league positions, and everyone is eagerly awaiting the new date for this battle.
The challenge to the top of the league for Adel Ladies First XI has hit a slight bump in recent weeks, as just four points from a possible nine has seen them lose ground on third place side Boston Spa. However, a well-fought win away at Whitley Bay and Tynemouth, coupled with Boston losing to Doncaster meant the last few weeks could be forgotten.
With five games left of their season a top three finish is well within the realms of possibility for these Ladies, and with games against two of the teams above them in the league, Adel still have a say in who can take the title.
Mens 2s beat York 2s 5-1 despite being reduced to 10 men for 20 minutes…
A dive over the line from Robbie Studholme kicked off the scoring which was followed by Tom Alldred turning into Jamesy for the second. Richard Hinds on backstick for 3. Harry Robinson closed his eyes and hoped for the best to finally get on the end of a quick ball in from Bish for 4. Harry Rob apparently had another to make 5.
Cards from Rich Hinds, Rich Hinds, Luke Meaton and Scotty
A combo MoM and DoD was gifted to none other than Tom Scholes Scott for a disgusting sliding tackle earning himself a well earned timeout to think about what he’d done. I hope he gets a refund on his new shoes…
Men’s 3’s made the short trip to Rotherham for a lunchtime push back. The performance was flat to say the least but we came out 6-2 winners against the bottom side in the league. There were some noticeably solid performances from Matty Snow and George with the latter winner MOM, as well as some less than convincing performances from Tom Gabbott and Mark(earning a green card a solidly mistimed challenge). DOD unusually for the men’s 3’s didn’t go to Sam Jackson, but went to Richards for the ‘robust’ challenge.
Goal scorers were Jackson 2, Paddy 1, Ryan 1, Joe 1 and finally George.
Men’s 4s had a trip to the beach today. After a slow first half and about 50 missed opportunities we went 2-1 down. Ben Hendley was on hand with some tactics which seemed to have the desired effect because the game ended 4-2. Goals came courtesy of a Paul Allan Horsey hat-trick to add to his collection of jugs, and Ben H with a slick flick into the far post. Other moments to note were Luke Taylor parting the red (and white) sea which Horsey scored in his head but forgot to do it on the pitch. Andy Miles wiping out Fozzy, and Nic Crocker using a hockey stick with his feet (according to the umpire).
The fact that Luke Taylor got MOM despite letting in 6 goals tells you all you need to know about M6 vs Leeds uni. He did actually save loads!
1/2hr of pre match warmups in the sun paid off as we went 1-0 up thanks to Luke Warwick from close range. Alas, it was all downhill from there as Leeds scored 6 more than us without reply despite a big defensive effort from the usual suspects ( especially Greg Martland, Nick Cooper, unluckily DOD for some comedy falling over, with Nick Edwards and Murph close contenders for the coveted award!
A bit more intensity next week and we will no doubt get back to winning ways!
Ladies 3s took on Colne Valley away in Muirfield. Despite some great saves from our junior keeper Ash and great end to end play by all the game finished 4-0 against us.
MoM – joint between Ursy Walton and Sarina
DoD – also me for a rather spectacular fall into the opposition supporters nearly taking out an old man
Onto next week and a double header weekend
Adel results in full:
Men’s Ones 5 Richmond 0
Men’s Twos 5 City of York 1
Men’s Threes 6 Rotherham 2
Men’s Fours 4 Boston Spa 2
Men’s Fives 1 Ben Rhydding 6
Men’s Sixes 1 Leeds Uni 6
Ladies Ones 1 Whitley Bay and Tynemouth 0
Ladies Twos 5 Huddersfield 1
Ladies Threes 0 Colne Valley 4
Ladies Fours 3 Huddersfield 0
Ladies Fives 0 Tadcaster 3
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