Hockey stars burnt by Firebrands late flurry
HAVING OPENED THEIR National League Division Two season with a draw against Peterborough, the Blues hockey team faced a challenging home game against one of the big boys of the division, Firebrands.
The visitors included a member of the recent British Olympic team, but in the first half he remained firmly in the pocket of Mike Mayer, who along with Sellick in midfield led a positive and effective Oxford side.
Although a quick and well drilled Firebrands team crafted some of the best chances in the first half hour, it was Oxford who took the lead. A short corner drag flick from Bevan flew into the bottom corner, the Welshman doubling his tally for the season.
A buoyant Oxford pressed forward fluently with Cullis and Fulford, but it was a searing run from Rogan Josh on the left that resulted in an extension of the lead, the Firebrands keeper bringing the Oxford forward down in the D. Mayer made no mistake with the resulting penalty flick, slotting home into the top right corner.
The second half proved a different story, Firebrands coming out very strong, while Oxford initially opted to sit back in their own half. For the first time in the game the opposition midfield caused problems, finding space and threading dangerous balls through to their forward line.
With constant pressure, it was only a matter of time before Firebrands got one back. A move down the right was crossed into the D and slapped home from close range.
Except for a flourish from Tom Perry that failed to make contact, the pattern continued, and in the last 10 minutes, the opposition, now in the ascendancy, put two more past a stranded Oxford defence, to inflict a disappointing 3-2 defeat.
The Blues will be looking to bounce back next Sunday at St.Albans.
12th Oct 2000