Home defeat for IW

Friday, February 26, 2010

HOCKEYIW 2, Blandford 4

IW FAILED to make amends for their 5-0 loss last weekend, with this home defeat against Blandford.

The game started in the worst possible way for the hosts, when an innocent-looking shot crept beneath the foot of Craig Bruce in goal.

Tom Young stepped up and smashed a penalty corner home soon after and despite some very wayward passing from the Island midfield chances began to appear. Bruce made amends for his earlier error by making a couple of outstanding scrambling saves but Blandford took the lead going into half time.

The Island increased work rate and passing accuracy second half but in pressing forward allowed the clinical Blandford strike force too much space and were punished accordingly to make it 3-1. A moment of magic from Tony Howsam shortly afterwards gave the home side hope, as he beat three tacklers and passed to James Liddiard who netted his third goal in three games.

But Blandford were not to be denied, as they scored a late fourth to take home the points.

The side entertains the high-flying Basingstoke at Smallbrook Stadium tomorrow (Saturday), at 2pm.