It was an overcast day at the Bournbrook pitches on what was to be the start of both Birmingham and Leeds Beckett’s Women’s Hockey 1s season, UoB came in to game favourites having beaten their opponents in last year’s fixtures quite handily, and would end up coming away with a 4-0 win.
In the opening exchanges the tone for the game was being set, Birmingham would have most of the play with the visitors trying to defend and break. Very quickly the lions had chances, within the first few minutes they had their first short corner and almost converted with a shot just edging wide of the goal.
From here Birmingham continued to push as they tried to convert their early chances, however Leeds Beckett fought well in the early stages and Birmingham just couldn’t quite seem to score, however there was plenty of time left and Leeds weren’t really threatening Birmingham.
Women’s hockey 1s – 3-0 for @UOBHC they’ve taken control #BUCSwednesday pic.twitter.com/rLU5yvHuER
— BurnFM Sport (@BurnFM_Sport) October 11, 2017
However, as the first half moved on it seemed the lions’ early momentum had worn off and the game hit a sticky patch in which both teams couldn’t seem to truly create any chances, this was suiting Leeds quite nicely, they had overcome the initial threat from Birmingham and now looked settled in the game and would continue to until the half time whistle.
The second half began and Birmingham showed their intent early creating multiple chances just like the first half. But this time they were able to make their pressure pay, a wonderful move down the left ended with the ball being played across the D to the forward expertly controlled and then shot on a swivel past both defender and helpless keeper.
The goal was a major turning point, the pressure seemed to come off Birmingham and now they could assert their dominance over their lesser opponents. They continued with the pressure and more space opened up as Leeds Beckett now had to try and score themselves.
Midway through the second half A Leeds Beckett player committed a foul within the D and was sin binned, and from the resulting short corner after one or two phases of play Birmingham were able to score their 2nd goal and all but assure themselves the victory. It certainly wasn’t as pretty as the first but it really put the game beyond doubt.
From here on out Birmingham were cruising, they were in complete control aside from one good shot from Leeds Beckett which was in earnest their only real chance. Birmingham would soon add a 3rd goal with around ten minutes to play and quickly follow it up with another to make it 4-0 and a statement victory.
All in all, it was a very impressive display from the Women’s Hockey 1s, they looked like the better side throughout and if they continue to play the way they started the season then it should be a highly successful season for them.
