Mens 3 vs Cambridge Nomads 2

The team has been raring to go after a five week absence of any competitive hockey and with 3 substitutes all knew that there would be a regular rotation of players and some breathing time that was going to be needed. Unfortunately, the good performances at the end of 2023 did not initially appear to continue today as it appeared to resemble a new start to the season game.

There was a lot of loose passing, but part of this issue was largely down to a Nomads team that over run the midfield with additional players and with more energy. All players were trying to tackle and catch them in possession and a lot of running was done by all and particular the front three of Aaron, Jack B and Jacob chasing the Nomad defence, trying to win possession to be able to attack but with minimal success. The midfield of JW, DJ, and Greg were very much under pressure and were coping as admirably as possible with Greg being tenacious in the tackle.

The Nomads team were keeping possession very well in the first half and utilised it well on their left side with a cross into the box where one of their players drove into the goal.

Once Ives had the ball the issue was that it was difficult to keep it with Nomads players appearing in front of everyone very quickly as they also hunted in packs. A pass by Jago to Isaac gave the opportunity to hit the ball pass their defence and use the speed from the halfway line to get into a position where through the dribble a lay off to one of the forwards would be ideal, unfortunately a foul was committed before that could happen and a short corner awarded.

Ives have in the past a low conversion rate from short corners to goals, however up steps Jack P after setting the ball from Jago was able to slot the ball into the net and 1-1 and game on.

Nomads for all their possession pushed even more and their midfielders were able to join their forwards quickly and outnumbered the defence and were able to slot in another goal from their right side.

Ives however were digging in and were able to keep them at bay for all their huffing and puffing and again it was another break from the left side by Isaac that managed to get into the box and Nomads gave away Ives 2^nd short corner of the game.

It was the similar set up to the first short corner and would you believe it Jack P scores again straight into the net from the set up and now 2-2.

Half time was called a little after this and it assisted in the team regrouping and DJ being able to give the right messages at this time.

The second half was a much improved performance (probably just needed a warm up) with Ives getting more possession and being dogged in the tackle and were able to intercept and tackle the Nomad players where in the first half it may have felt like chasing shadows.

Nomads however were attacking and were getting chances but the defence of Carl, JT, DC, Joop and Jago prevailed with some excellent saves from Adam.

More chances were coming Ives way as Nomads tired and Ives energy increased and the second half was a lot closer in terms of possession and Ives managed to get one further short corner late on in this half, but for the first time in the match was unavailable to convert.

The result was a good one based on the differences in performance from either half and hopefully Ives can start quicker next week.