Lost 2-0
MoM: Degiovanni
DoD: Carney
With thanks to team sponsor M1 http://www.canterburyhockeyclub.co.uk/patrons
Canterbury 0-2 Reading: A Physical Contest in Canterbury’s First Home Game
After a thrilling finish to last weekend’s season opener, which saw Canterbury score two late goals to tie Teddington 3-3, the team was eager to go one better as they faced newly relegated Reading at home. From the onset, it was clear that Reading meant business. They caught Canterbury by surprise from the pushback with crisp one-touch passing and in-out build-up play, winning a short corner in the early moments of the game. This led to a penalty flick, which Reading converted to put the visitors ahead.Following a quick team talk from Captain and eventual Man of the Match, Thomas Degiovanni, Canterbury was urged to step up their game. Degiovanni’s words seemed to have the desired effect, as Canterbury, forced to defend deep in their own half for much of the first quarter, held off Reading’s relentless attacks until the quarter-time whistle blew.
Reading were playing a very physical brand of hockey and during the break, coach Alastair Brogdon emphasised the importance of matching Reading’s physicality and doing more to win the 50/50 battles. As the second quarter began, there was a noticeable shift in Canterbury’s approach. Spearheaded by Degiovanni, Tom Richford, and Ben Young, the home team increased their physical presence and began generating clearer attacks through the middle of the field, finally bringing their forwards into the game. This quarter saw fast-paced, end-to-end hockey, with Reading receiving a few green cards. Despite this, and Canterbury winning several short corners, they were unable to capitalise before the halftime whistle.
Following their late comeback in last week’s fixture, bolstered by their preseason fitness, and with Reading’s green cards on display, Canterbury entered the second half optimistic that they could turn the game around. The end-to-end, counter-attacking hockey from the second quarter carried into the third, with both teams creating opportunities. Re