Banbury Make it a Third Win in a Row
Banbury HC Men’s 1s - 4 Milton Keynes HC Men’s 1s - 2
Banbury made it 3 wins on the trot with a solid away win against Milton Keynes. The first half saw Banbury dominant and creating many chances. The Milton Keynes keeper was kept busy making some great saves off from the busy George Brooker, Jacob Buckner Rowley, and George Godwin upfront. The deserved breakthrough came after 20 minutes when Josh Nunneley launched a great aerial pass to Buckner Rowley who drove hard at the Milton Keynes defence to win a penalty corner, which Josh Nunneley scored with a drag flick high into the net to make it 1-0. Ten minutes later it was 2-0 to Banbury when Harry Camp made a great interception in defence and unleashed Tyson Nunneley down the right-wing who found George Brooker on the far left. Brooker hammered in an inch-perfect reverse stick pass which Buckner Rowley ran onto to deflect into the opposition goal.
Half time came with Banbury on fire, and they started the second half with the same levels of intensity and attacking intent. Harry Simons and DS Allen in midfield gave Milton Keynes no space, constantly tackling and winning possession, and launching attacks down the flanks. Man of the Match, Sam Chadbourne, took the left flank by storm and created mayhem for Milton Keynes, linking well with George Godwin upfront and it was this pressure that won Banbury a penalty corner after ten minutes. Nunneley’s drag flick was saved but Simons was there for the rebound and made it 3-0 with a deft flick into the net. Milton Keynes then came back hard but the defensive unit of Pete Lamb, Darsh Theara, Josh Nunneley, and keeper Kit Lamb stood firm and kept the lead until after the 20-minute mark. Milton Keynes picked the ball up on the left and hammered the ball across the D for a deflected goal to make it 3-1. This galvanised Banbury and Allen, Simons, Chadbourne, and Brooker tore into the opposition to create a stream of attacks, but all the chances created weren’t rewarded with a goal, mainly due to the Milton Keynes keeper. Then with 5 minutes left on the clock, the excellent Chadbourne found Godwin unmarked on the left in the opposition D who coolly made it 4-1 with a perfect strike into the goal.
With one minute left Milton Keynes won a lucky penalty which they scored to finish the game 4-2 to Banbury.
Banbury Manager, Andy Camp said “we were devastating today with our closing down and quick turnover. Our flowing attacking hockey was impressive, but we should’ve converted more chances. That said, the lads worked hard and fully deserved the win”.
Next week Banbury faces mid-table Staines at home.
Photo: Man of the match Sam Chadbourne dominating the left flank
Photo: Tyson Nunneley rips through MKHC
Photo: Banbury midfield choke Milton Keynes