Carlisle Men's Hockey Club

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29/09/2007 – West Derby 3s 2 vs. Carlisle 2s 3

Carlisle travelled to Liverpool looking to win their first game of the season following the cancellation the previous week.

The game started well for Carlisle, controlling the pace of the early exchanges and early into the game won a short corner which was well saved by the West Derby keeper following a solid strike from Neil Boothby. The game however then started to get quite scrappy and possession was difficult to keep for any sustained periods of time. West Derby managed to force their way into the “D” and after a number of deflections the ball was in the goal.

Carlisle responded well and started to improve their play and soon after, Man of the Match Ally Richards flicked the ball over the prone keeper to level the scores following a powerful run from Tom Lawson.

Carlisle’s defence of Sergelen Conacher, Rob Gordon and Andrew Crabtree, playing his first game at the back worked tirelessly against a fast West Derby attacking line who were looking to counter-attack quickly at every opportunity, however when a penalty corner was awarded, Carlisle were unlucky to concede a second goal as there were doubts whether the ball had left the “D”. Carlisle went into half-time 2-1 down.

Carlisle started the second half in a more controlled fashion, dictating the majority of the opening as they did in the first half, however they had to be aware of the counter-attack that had caused so many problems in the first half. Carlisle levelled the scores once again through a Neil Boothby goal 10 minutes into the second half. After conceding the equalising goal, West Derby pushed forward and played some good attacking hockey that on another day may reap more rewards, however the Carlisle defence managed to keep them from scoring.

New Captain, Mark Nixon was on hand to stop a number of chances throughout the game, and he was required to make a tackle when one of the West Derby forwards broke through to keep the scores level. When he was finally beaten, Rob Gordon was on hand to keep Carlisle in the game with a goal lone clearance. Carlisle were under a lot of pressure by this time and when Alex Pearson made a run up the right wing from his own 22, there was every possibility that Carlisle may sneak a win, however there was noone on hand to apply the finish. Five minutes later, Neil Boothby’s shot deflected over the keeper and trickled into the net, giving him his second of the game and Carlisle the lead for the first time in the game.

Carlisle were now under a continuous period of pressure but all 11 players worked to conserve their lead. The midfield of Ally Richards, Tom Lawson and Craig Holliday showed their experience to keep possession of the ball and play out the rest of the game. Carlisle won a closely contested game 3-2 and will be able to look back on this game as 3 well deserved points after a spirited come back.

Carlisle’s Man of the Match: Ally Richards Man of the Match as voted for by West Derby: Ally Richards

Carlisle 2s: Mark Nixon(c), Andrew Crabtree, Rob Gordon, Sergelen Conacher, Tom Lawson, Craig Holliday, Ally Richards, Alex Pearson, Mike Graham, Neil Boothby, Sandy McPhee.

06/10/2007 - Carlisle Men’s 2s 11 – Lytham St. Anne’s 5s 0

Carlisle played their first home game of the season against a 9 man Lytham St. Anne’s side. Carlisle dominated the early play, however the Lytham goalkeeper pulled off a number of saves until a run down the right from Alex Pearson allowed for Andrew Crabtree to score his first of the season.
Carlisle continued to press knowing there were plenty of goals to be had.
Jonny Richards scored from a Penalty corner soon afterwards before a brace from Neil Boothby gave Carlisle a 4-0 lead at half-time.

Carlisle started the second half in much the same fashion as they had in the first, resulting in a goal for Tom Lawson, who neatly chipped the goalkeeper early in the second half. Carlisle’s domination of the game never really let up, however Lytham created a number of chances through some good build up play by some of their younger players. As Lytham pressed looking for a consolation goal, they were susceptible to the counter-attack and this resulted in Andy Brown and Ally Richards picking up a goal apiece.

With Carlisle now 7-0 up, a few changes were made, with Rob Gordon surging up-field looking to add his creative touch to the forward play. A 3rd goal of the game soon followed for Neil Boothby giving him the first hat-trick of the season. He soon made it 4 following some neat play by the Carlisle midfield, Tom Lawson, Jonny Richards and Roger Hill.

Alex Pearson’s endless running on the right then allowed for Neil to claim his 4th and 5th goals of the game to put Carlisle into double figures.
Carlisle’s 11th goal sealed a double hat-trick for Neil Boothby, when he advanced on the Lytham keeper and knocked it past him, however his diving celebration could be seen as a little exuberant.

Carlisle travel to Urmston next week, looking to continue their 100% start to the season. Thanks must also go to Lytham for travelling even though their squad was depleted.

Carlisle’s Man of the Match: Neil Boothby Man of the Match voted for by Lytham St. Anne’s: Ally Richards

Carlisle: Mark Nixon (c), Chris Jopson, Robert Gordon, Sergelen Conacher, Roger Hill, Jonny Richards, Andrew Crabtree, Tom Lawson, Alex Pearson, Ally Richards, Andy Brown, Neil Boothby, Sandy McPhee.

13/10/2007 – Urmston Men’s 4s 3 – 2 Carlisle Men’s 2s

Carlisle travelled to Urmston to face a side that had scored 23 goals in there first 3 games of the season. Carlisle travelled without any substitutes and knew it would be a difficult game.

The game started well enough for Carlisle with some early movements showing some promise. It was Urmston however that got the first goal, when the Urmston Centre Forward turned in the D and hit a low shot off the inside of the far post. Carlisle continued to press knowing that they could score goals following last week’s efforts against Lytham. After pressing forward, Carlisle were caught on the Counter-Attack and a Penalty Corner was awarded. Richard Hogg stopped the ball on the line from the resulting strike, however he used his foot therefore a Penalty Stroke was awarded. The flick was scored and Carlisle were 2 goals down but had been playing good hockey. Carlisle played out the rest of the first half looking to pull a goal back but to no avail.

During the Half-time talk, Captain Mark Nixon made an inspired tactical change and released Richard Hogg into a more attacking role. The change was almost immediate, with a good run into the “D” being played across the goal from the left for Sandy McPhee to score his first goal for the club and let Carlisle back into the game. Urmston now appeared to have dropped back into their own half and invited Carlisle to attack. Carlisle duly obliged and after a Penalty Corner was awarded, Richard Hogg scored to level the scores.

Urmston then proceeded to attack constantly and with Carlisle tiring a number of disputed decisions were made against them, including a succession of Penalty Corners. The defence worked tirelessly to keep the scores level when everything seemed to be going against them including a green card for Chris Jopson.

Carlisle got the chance to break when Sandy McPhee broke through the Urmston defence, until an unexpected collision with his own player, Mike Graham, allowed for Urmston to break away and score from a resulting Penalty Corner. Urmston then kept possession of the ball until the final whistle.

Carlisle’s team should be proud of themselves for how they performed and conducted themselves in a manner befitting of Carlisle Men’s Hockey Club.

Carlisle’s Man of the Match: Richard Hogg

Man of the Match voted for by Urmston: Richard Hogg

Carlisle: Mark Nixon (c), Chris Jopson, Robert Gordon, Sergelen Conacher, Richard Hogg, Andrew Crabtree, Tom Lawson, Alex Pearson, Ally Richards, Sandy McPhee, Mike Graham.

27/10/2007 - Formby Men’s 4’s 2 – 2 Carlisle Men’s 2’s

Carlisle travelled to Formby to play their first game in two weeks following another cancellation. With Carlisle turning up with plenty of time to spare, they were able to be physically and mentally prepared for what turned out to be a close contest between two evenly matched sides.

The game started with possession being shared before a long period of pressure on the Formby goal allowed for Richard Hogg to go close with a Penalty Corner.
The game ebbed and flowed between the two sides, allowing for a pleasant game to be played where youth and experience were mixing well on both sides.

With 15 minutes of the first half to go, Carlisle thought they may have to play with 10 for the remainder of the game when Roger Hill tried to turn back the years only to cause himself an injury. Carlisle had to switch things around, however even with only 10 men; they were able to still produce a good chance. Half-time came with the scores at 0-0.

Roger Hill returned to the pitch and within 5 minutes of the restart, a long run from Darren Little allowed for Roger to get the first goal of the game.
Carlisle then had to cope with the Formby attack for a period of sustained pressure which led to a goal as a sharp shot came through a bunch of players and beat Mark Nixon from close range. Carlisle restored their lead, with Darren Little deflecting a penalty corner.

With the game so open, Carlisle were susceptible to the Formby counter-attack, which ultimately resulted in Formby levelling the scores from a shot across the keeper. Carlisle were fortunate not to lose in the final moments when Mark Nixon stopped a rising shot to keep the scores level and claim a well earned away point.

Carlisle’s man of the Match: Richard Hogg Opposition Man of the Match: Ally Richards

Carlisle: Mark Nixon (c), Andrew Crabtree, Rob Gordon, Sergelen Conacher, Richard Hogg, Roger Hill, Tom Lawson, Sandy McPhee, Ally Richards, Daz Little, Mike Graham.

03/11/07 - Liverpool Sefton 0v2 Carlisle 2s
 

Carlisle travelled to Liverpool for the second time in two weeks looking to pick up more valuable points away from home in what is a very close division.

Carlisle started the game in the manner it progressed from the first to last whistle with possession and continuous pressure on the Liverpool Sefton goal. The forward partnership of Ally Richards and Darren Little were constantly creating chances however a very good Liverpool Sefton goalkeeper kept them and the midfield at bay.

Carlisle were rewarded with the goal they deserved after 25 minutes, when Ally Richards finished a good chance, created by the midfield of Richard Hogg, Tom Lawson Adam Young and Tom Airey, making his 2^nd team debut.

Carlisle went into half-time a little disappointed only to be leading 1-0 however they knew that there were still goals to be had. The second half started brightly, although Liverpool Sefton did attempt to create a few chances, the defence of Sergelen Conacher, Rob Gordon and Man-of-the Match Andrew Crabtree who continues to make the left back place his own held firm to deny any chances on Mark Nixon’s goal.

With the game still finely in the balance at 1-0, Carlisle needed another goal. Chances from Darren, Ally and another debutant Dan Ward were to no avail, however when a Penalty Stroke was awarded they felt as though this was the perfect opportunity, however the Liverpool Sefton keeper continued to defy Carlisle by saving Adam Young’s attempts.

With not long left in the game, Carlisle knew they deserved more than their one goal advantage therefore when yet another Penalty Corner, there was some improvisation from Tom Lawson to lead to his first goal for Carlisle as well as a valuable second goal. The game ended shortly after the restart with Carlisle knowing they had deserved maybe a little more out of a game they dominated, however a win away from home is still a great result from a side also developing youth.

Carlisle’s man of the Match: Andrew Crabtree

Opposition Man of the Match: Robert Gordon

Carlisle: Mark Nixon (c), Andrew Crabtree, Rob Gordon, Sergelen Conacher, Richard Hogg, Adam Young, Tom Lawson, Steven Boyd, Tom Airey, Ally Richards, Darren Little, Daniel Ward.

10.11.2007 – Carlisle Men’s 2’s 3 – 0 Morecambe Men’s 3’s

Carlisle welcomed Morecambe to St. Aidan’s and were looking to maintain their 100% record at home this season.

Carlisle started the game in the manner it progressed from the first to last whistle with possession and continuous pressure on the Morecambe goal. The forward partnership of Ally Richards and Andy Brown created chances however it was the injection of pace on the right wing from Alex Pearson that ultimately made the difference in the first half. His runs created a number of chances for the forwards; however it was he who got the first of the day and also his first goal for the club when a loose ball came out to him on the edge of the area, he beat the goalkeeper with a low shot into the bottom corner. Carlisle continued to pressure the Morecambe goal however there were no more goals in the second half. 

Carlisle were rewarded with the second goal they deserved early into the second half, when Ally Richards finished a good chance, created by Adam Young.

Following his debut last week, Dan Ward’s continued improvement earned him a recall and his tireless running and pressuring of the Morecambe defence allowed for more chances to be created. In a similar circumstance to the previous game at Liverpool Sefton a Penalty Stroke was awarded. Following the miss last week there was a change in taker, this time Richard Hogg was asked to step up however the result was the same as the preceding week.

Carlisle’s defence stayed solid throughout due to the work of Andrew Crabtree, Rob Gordon and two players on debut, Paul Heape and Mike Smith.

With not long left in the game, Carlisle knew they deserved more than the two goal advantage and Adam Young’s goal eased some of the tensions leaving Carlisle 3-0 up. The game ended shortly after the restart with Carlisle knowing they had deserved maybe a little more out of a game they dominated, however their record was maintained against a Morecambe side that played above their position in the league.

Carlisle’s man of the Match: Ally Richards

Opposition Man of the Match: Daniel Ward

Carlisle: Mark Nixon (c), Andrew Crabtree, Rob Gordon, Paul Heape, Richard Hogg, Adam Young, Tom Lawson, Alex Pearson, Tom Airey, Ally Richards, Andy Brown, Daniel Ward, Donald Cramb, Mike Smith.

17/11/2007 – Bolton Men’s 5’s 0 – 4 Carlisle Men's 2's

Carlisle travelled to Bolton knowing that there would be a difficult game in store if the games against their 6^th team the previous season were anything to go by.

Carlisle started the game well and from the push started to control the game in the midfield, through the controlled manner Roger Hill, Tom Lawson and Richard Hogg passed the ball. The Bolton attack were focused on counter attacking, however a strong defensive display from Rob Gordon, Sergelen Conacher and a returning Mark Bingham ensured that Mark Nixon’s goal was kept quiet for the majority of the first half.

The Bolton goal was less than quiet in the first half. Early into the game, some slick movement from Darren Little and Ally Richards finished a well taken opportunity to give Carlisle their first goal through Darren Little.

Carlisle used the whole width of the pitch in order to create the second goal when a run from Rob Whitely was played back to Tom Lawson who powered into the “D” to set All Richards up for his first goal of the day and Carlisle’s 2nd. Carlisle continued to pressure the Bolton defence and a mazy run from Richard Hogg produced a goal when his shot from the top of the “D” wrong footed the goalkeeper and hit the back board to the keeper’s right.

Carlisle’s dominance in the first game had knocked Bolton’s confidence, and Darren Little duly took advantage when he scored his second of the day to take Carlisle into half-time with the score at 4-0.

Although there were no goals in the second half, Carlisle controlled the game and used the ball wisely, with Greg Mossop, another debutant this season, keeping possession and making some strong tackles.

Bolton did create some moments where the defence was a little stretched however Mark Nixon only had one save of substance to make when a Bolton cross reached the player at the back post only for I to be cleared off the Line by the keeper’s foot. Sergelen Conacher’s strong defensive work continued and cleared the ball before any rebounds were possible.

Carlisle may not have scored in the second half, but a 3^rd consecutive clean sheet ensures that their goal difference in what is still a close division can rival the best of teams.

Carlisle’s Man of the Match: Darren Little

Opposition Man of the Match: Richard Hogg

Carlisle: Mark Nixon (c), Andrew Crabtree, Rob Gordon, Mark Bingham, Richard Hogg, Adam Young, Tom Lawson, Sergelen Conacher, Rob Whitley, Ally Richards, Darren Little, Greg Mossop.

01.12.2007 - Blackpool Men’s 2’s 2 - 2 Carlisle Men’s 2’s

Carlisle travelled to Blackpool looking to avenge last years defeat as both sides met for the first time in Division 9 following promotion last year.

Carlisle started the game well with good interchanges of passing creating opportunities down the flanks. The pace of Darren Little was worrying the Blackpool defence and when he was brought down in the “D” a Penalty Stroke was awarded. Carlisle’s luck with Penalty Strokes was at an all time low and when Jonny Richards’ effort was well saved by the Blackpool ‘keeper low to his right with his stick, the run continued.

Carlisle continued to put pressure on the Blackpool goal resulting in Darren Little scoring to give the away team the lead. Carlisle were playing well, however a quick goal for Blackpool levelled a game that Carlisle had been in control of. Leading into half-time Carlisle felt a little aggrieved to be level, although memories from the previous year indicated that the game wasn ’t over.

The second half started sloppily for Carlisle and a second Blackpool goal gave them the lead for the first time in the game. Carlisle knew that a defeat to a team level with them on points at the start of the day could effect their chances of promotion, so when a Penalty Corner was awarded, Richard Hogg calmly levelled the scores with a low drag flick to the keeper’
s left from the left of the “D”.

Carlisle again relied on their defence of Andrew Crabtree, Rob Gordon, Jonny Richards, Sergelen Conacher and Mike Smith, making his first away trip, to keep the scores tied as for the later stages of the second half, the majority of the play was in Carlisle’s half.

Carlisle saw out a good draw away from home to keep the deficit between them and 1st Placed Urmston to 5 points, although Carlisle have a game in hand.

Carlisle Man of the Match: Darren Little Opposition Man of the Match: Jonny Richards

Carlisle: Mark Nixon(c), Andrew Crabtree, Rob Gordon, Jonny Richards, Sergelen Conacher, Mike Smith, Richard Hogg, Ally Richards, Adam Young, Robert Whiteley, Darren Little, Mike Graham

Last Updated 27/11/05

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