
After a series of busy weekends, most of the juniors enjoyed a well-earned break on Sunday. The M1 and W1 were both in action against Loughborough Students, while the M2 played their second match of the week as they hosted Leicester. Meanwhile, the U8 and U10 squads had a fun-filled morning of fixtures, with many players taking part in their first ever competitive matches.
Please find the match reports below.
After a tough result the previous week, Repton W1 travelled the short distance to Loughborough University determined to bounce back and put points on the board. Both sides, known for their athleticism, set the stage for a fast-paced encounter.
Repton began brightly, immediately gaining control of possession. Slick link-up play between Jess L, Katie S and the midfield unit earned the visitors an early penalty corner. Although the initial attempt was denied, the W1 were given a second opportunity moments later. In the 5th minute, Emilia K stepped up and unleashed a powerful strike that broke through the keeper, giving Repton a deserved 1–0 lead and the strong start they were looking for.
The visitors continued to dominate spells of possession, creating dangerous attacking moments and showing composure during Loughborough counterattacks. The defensive line stood firm, making crucial tackles and interceptions. Eloise W and Annabel W were standout contributors, their aerials repeatedly unsettling the home side and helping Repton maintain control. Despite further opportunities, Repton couldn’t extend their advantage before halftime, and the score remained 1–0.
After the break, the momentum shifted. Loughborough emerged with renewed intent, adjusting their tactics and finding their rhythm. They constructed several threatening passages of play, putting Repton under significant pressure throughout the third quarter. The students’ aggression led to two cards, reducing them to nine players, but despite enjoying a numerical advantage, Repton were unable to make the most of the opportunity, an area they will no doubt target for improvement in coming weeks.
Repton spent extended periods defending deep in their own half as Loughborough pressed for an equaliser. In the 47th minute, the hosts finally broke through in a scrappy but decisive moment, bringing the game level at 1–1.
The final quarter was tense, with both sides pushing hard in search of a winner despite tiring legs. Goalkeepers at both ends made important saves to keep the scoreline unchanged. With five minutes remaining, Repton were reduced to 10 players, adding extra pressure to the closing stages. But the W1 held their discipline and defended resolutely to ensure they secured a point at the final whistle.
The match proved to be a tale of two halves: Repton dominated the first, while Loughborough controlled much of the second. For the W1, it was a strong response to last week’s disappointment and a clear step forward in performance.
Attention now turns to the final two fixtures before the Christmas break, where Repton will host newly promoted Leeds as well as Pendle Forest for the second time this season. The squad will look to build on this improved display and finish the year strongly.
W1 drew 1-1 VS Loughborough Students
Player of the Match: Eloise W
On Sunday, Repton M1 travelled to Loughborough for what was expected to be a physically demanding encounter against a strong student side. With Loughborough sitting just three points behind Repton in the table, the hosts were firmly in the chase and their club turned out in force to create an intimidating atmosphere. Fortunately, Repton brought their own contingent of Viking supporters to cheer the men on.
Repton started brightly, applying pressure from the first whistle. Long aerials and direct balls from the back sought to unsettle the Loughborough defence, and the strategy paid off early. In the 6th minute, Repton earned their first penalty corner, Si C stepped up to dispatch his trademark drag-flick, giving the Vikings a 1–0 lead.
Loughborough responded almost immediately. Just two minutes later, a well-worked passage of open play saw the students level the score in the 8th minute. Buoyed by the equaliser, the hosts ramped up the intensity and continually threatened going forward. Their persistence was rewarded in the 18th minute when they took a 2–1 lead.
Refusing to be rattled, Repton lifted their tempo and rebalanced the contest, turning it into a more even affair for the remainder of the half. The score remained 2–1 to Loughborough at the break.
After regrouping at halftime, Repton restarted strongly. Sharp link-up play between Archie B, Sam C, and Rich L helped re-establish momentum. As the third quarter drew to a close, Repton struck back. In the 55th minute, Ben H showed composure under pressure, reacting quickest to a rebound during a short corner to slot home the equaliser and bring the game to 2–2.
The final quarter was tense for both sets of supporters. The physicality rose as fatigue set in, but chances still fell at both ends. Loughborough earned several penalty corners, but were repeatedly denied by Ambrose and a resolute PCD unit. A late tackle from the hosts earned them a yellow card, reducing them to 10 players for most of the closing minutes.
Repton seized the advantage. In the 65th minute, Adam D produced a calm flick into the top corner from the keepers pads restoring Repton’s lead, their first since the 6th minute.
With five minutes left, Loughborough removed their goalkeeper in a final push for an equaliser. Repton, however, held firm. Digging deep, they absorbed the pressure and secured all three points to remain top of the table.
This fixture proved to be one of Repton’s toughest tests so far, and credit must go to Loughborough for the challenge they posed. A superb result for the M1, who now look forward to welcoming the students to Repton after Christmas. The final two matches before the break will both be at home, and the team hopes to see strong support from the Vikings faithful.
M1 won 3-2 VS Loughborough Students
Player of the Match: Archie B
Repton Men’s 2nd XI secured an important 2–1 home victory over Leicester M1s in their eighth league fixture of the season. Both sides entered the match level on points in the table, sitting just three points behind the league leaders, setting up a competitive encounter.
Repton began strongly, dominating possession and creating several early chances. Their pressure was eventually rewarded after 30 minutes when a sharp move down the left allowed Rocco EW to fire a quick shot inside the far post, giving Repton a deserved 1–0 lead.
After the interval, Leicester responded with a more aggressive press and enjoyed a stronger spell of possession. Their persistence paid off in the 47th minute when they equalised from close range.
Repton soon regained control, with their goalkeeper producing several key saves to keep the match level. As tensions rose, cards were shown to both sides, adding extra intensity to the final phase of the game.
The decisive moment came in the 64th minute. Following an excellent spell of play in the Leicester half, captain Arthur B finished clinically to restore Repton’s lead at 2–1. Despite late pressure, Repton held firm to secure a valuable three points.
M2 won 2-1 VS Leicester
Player of the Match: Harry R
Despite several late dropouts from the tournament lineup, Repton were still able to field three junior squads on Sunday morning in Nottingham: an U8 team and U10 girls’ and boys’ teams. Braving the cold conditions, all three groups represented the club brilliantly and made the most of the opportunity to put their training into practice across multiple fixtures.
For a number of players, these were their first competitive matches, an important milestone and one they handled with confidence and enthusiasm. The U10 teams were able to challenge themselves throughout the morning, setting their own standards, working hard for one another, and demonstrating real teamwork in every game. Meanwhile, the U8s enjoyed a series of shorter five-a-side matches, showing great energy, teamwork, and determination.
The commitment from every player, despite the chilly weather, was outstanding. It was a fantastic morning of hockey for all involved, filled with learning, progress, and plenty of smiles.
A lovely morning had by all, well done to every Repton junior who took part!
U8/U10 Tournament hosted by Beeston