New formation pays off
Newmarket, without both left-halves, Chris
Punshon and Paul Young, opted for a five-man midfield at Ely on
Saturday and ran out comfortable winners in only their second East
Hockey League Division Two North match of the season.
Captain Bob Townson scored the first goal. He was
looking to pass to a forward but the Woodhall defence opened up and
he strode into the D without a challenge before beating the
goalkeeper.
Good running by Greg Cummins and Jimmy Robinson
created further opportunities and the latter helped Mike Bennett
grab Newmarket's second goal before half-time. Adrian Gurnell passed
to Robinson whose flicked shot was poor but Bennett got to the ball
first and powered it into the rood of the net.
Newmarket made a spectacular start to the second
half when a move started by Robinson and carried on by Blades ended
with Gurnell chipping the ball over the 'keeper's head into the net.
The South African showed more of his skills when,
after some good dribbling, he slipped the ball under the goalkeeper
for Newmarket's fourth goal.
Townson and Harry Mangell's decision to try the
new formation was right but it will be tested when they are up
against a better team later in the season.
Highlights of the Newmarket display were great
running by Cummins, inspirational play by Townson with good vision
and accuracy from Roger Wise and Neil Badcock who held the defence
together.
