With the upcoming potential lockdowns in mind Repton played West Bridgford midweek under the lights; adhering to the Covid rules and guidelines set out by England Hockey.
The game would prove to be Repton’s best test yet as West Bridgford have made a good start to the season winning three out of four of their opening games. The Repton players were certainly up for the challenge, appreciating the harder games, especially in the current climate of their league.

The game stayed scoreless for most of the first half. Repton controlled possession of the ball through their centre backs: Si Claris and Lloyd Madsen. Twenty minutes in, Repton, who’d usually enjoy the lead by this point, seemed to get impatient and annoyed as the score remained level. The West Bridgford keeper made some good saves, but also The Vikings weren’t as clinical as normal. Martin Jones made skilful winding runs into the opposition D to only flash his trademark reverses wide. Could this be the first loss of the season for Repton?

Not a chance. Ten minutes before half time Si Claris delivered a fast slap into the circle where James Sookias deflected the ball soaring past the keeper high up into the West Bridgford net. Moments later Repton midfielder Nacho Morando, who’s work rate throughout the game was flawless won his team a penalty corner which Claris despatched without hesitation. The score was two to nothing at half time.

At the break Repton rehydrated, indulged in jelly babies and spoke about not panicking or forcing the ball into needless West Bridgford contact. The sugar intake and calming team talk seemed to raise Repton’s quality as they found their goalscoring form when play resumed.

Dom Bennett twice found himself in space in the West Bridgford circle to which both times he shot far post, one forehand and one backhand. Both shots would rebound off the keeper, one falling to Andrew Cook; and then shortly after the other to Ben Clague. Both of them composed and expectant, they sent the ball goalward to continue their impressive and hardly believable goal tallies for the season. Four to nothing.

Despite West Bridgford’s organised structure they would suffer when put under a high press. James Sookias’ low stick and dogged ambition to pressure the opposition defence saw high turnovers and more Repton chances. One such occasion saw James Johnson rob a half back of the ball before winding into the circle to only have his shot saved by the West Bridgford keeper who had come swiftly off his line.
The match ended with Si Claris scoring another penalty corner and Andrew Cook getting his 5th of the season with a half volley of the ball 6 yards out.

On reflection, a great game of high-quality hockey was on display. Both teams were exceedingly appreciative of the organisers and umpires in allowing the match to be played midweek. Repton host Bridgnorth at home this weekend.