HOV Hotshots Under 18’s 3

Bridgend Dynamo 4

This result saw the end of the Under 18’s impressive 18 match unbeaten run, and complacency was the reason.

The Hotshots dominated play throughout the first half, but saw shot after shot stopped by the Bridgend keeper, and shot after shot go high or wide.

The result was that the Valleys defenders pushed forward, leaving Jason O’Neill in goal totally exposed, and with 2 very quick breaks, the Dynamo scored 2 goals.

The 2^nd period saw the Hotshots pick up the pace of the game, but again the forwards struggled to get through, and again, the Bridgend attackers were able to capitalise and go into a 3-0 lead.

Jason Rickwood lead the way for a late revival with a great individual goal, and again the Hotshots looked like they were going to take control, but again defensive frailties saw the Dynamo extend their lead.

Cue Michael Haile. He followed Rickwood’s example and launched attack after attack with pace and accuracy, which saw him hit 2 late goals, but sadly the equaliser was never to come, and the defeat was inevitable.

HOV Hotshots Under 18’s 3

Caerphilly 4

Although the scores were the same in this game, the manner in which the Blaenau Gwent youngsters performed was so much better.

They played as a team, and the work rate was impressive.

Robert Baker set up Gareth Emms for the first goal of the game, but the Caerphilly side were able to pull one back.

Michael Haile again impressed, this time turning provider as he broke down the wing and laying off an inch perfect pass for Rickwood to blast home.

At this point, the game took on a more physical guise, with players being tackled hard and illegally on both sides, with the Hotshots and Caerphilly having player’s sin binned as a result.

The Caerphilly side again pulled a goal back, and then took the lead late in the first period.

The 2^nd half saw some great hockey from the two sets of players, with the scores staying at 3-2 until the final 3 minutes of the game.

The match became fast fair and physical, but within the boundaries of the rules, which impressed the supporters and coaches alike.

Caerphilly extended their lead in the final 3 minutes, and then cue Michael Haile…again.

He intercepted a pass deep in the Valley sides half, and again broke down the wing. He beat both Caerphilly defenders and sized up to shoot. Only he passed the ball to Captain Phil Rodgers who was able to net at close range to make the scores a more respectable 4-3.