NUNEATON 1 NEWARK 4

Nuneaton’s mini-revival in BodyKraft East Midlands Division One came to an abrupt and disconcerting end as Newark dished out a lesson in finishing to secure he points in a tense and bad tempered encounter.

The visitors came prepared for a battle and dominated the first quarter of the game with some slick play that saw them take a deserved two goal lead. Spurred into action, Nuneaton won a host of short corners but were unable to deliver a final product.

Eventually, on the stroke of half time, Dave HOLMES pulled a goal back in open play to give the score a more respectable appearance.

Regrettably, the second half degenerated into a scrappy and ill-tempered battle with both teams losing players for unnecessary fouls although Newark seemed better prepared to handle the situation and soon extended the lead.

Nuneaton rallied and took their short corner total to an incredible eighteen for the match, but lacked the finesse or subtlety to make the opportunities count. Instead, it was left to Newark to wrap up the points with a fourth goal that condemned the home side to a second defeat of the season.

KETTERING II 0 NUNEATON II 3

The seconds continued their good away form with another convincing win in BodyKraft East Midlands Division One although the final score line hardly reflected the way the game was finely balanced for long periods.

Things started badly for Nuneaton who lost skipper Alan Owens with an injury inside the first ten minutes and were forced to readjust early on. Kettering, on the other hand, started well but wayward shooting from the home side kept the score level.

The visitors eventually settled and after some good inter play by the away side’s midfield, the ball found Ryan Stokes whose shot was saved by the home keeper, only for the ball to reach James OWENS who was on hand to knock the ball into an empty net from chest height.

The goal gave Nuneaton renewed confidence and they pressed the home side's goal, but were unable to capitalise on the improved level of possession.

The second half began with Kettering winning a string of short corners but again, the hosts were unable to convert their chances due to some resolute defence and lack of composure in front of goal.

Nuneaton gained the upper hand when a through ball from Ash Barnett found Ryan STOKES who broke free from his marker and calmly slotted the ball past the oncoming keeper and into the Kettering goal.

This proved to be the turning point in the game with Kettering seemingly resigned to defeat. With five minutes remaining, a ball into the “D” from James Owens found Ryan STOKES who sealed the victory with his second and Nuneaton's third goal, firing triumphantly past the home keeper.

NUNEATON III 3 KETTERING III 2

Nuneaton started this BodyKraft East Midlands Division One game with some fluid passing play that brought an early reward against a dogged Kettering eleven.

Chris Burnard, the midfield playmaker, freed Mark Lawton, who in turn found Nick Perry with an excellent pass. Perry’s pinpoint cross was slotted home by Patrick MOORE to bring the score to 1-0.

Nuneaton continued to press with plenty of possession, but a momentary lapse in concentration allowed Kettering to equalise. However, just before half time Chris BURNARD fired home a fearsome shot from a Nuneaton short corner to return the lead to the home team.

In the second half Nuneaton continued to press with Luke Horvath and Dave Ellingworth featuring prominently and skipper Gary Moreton marshalled his troops well to give Nuneaton a massive morale boost.

After conceding another equaliser, Nuneaton stepped up the game and increased the pressure, resulting in a short corner which gave Nigel LAWTON the opportunity to hammer home a goal from two yards, thanks to a failed attempt to clear the ball by the Kettering defence.

Both sides had many chances in the last ten minutes, but neither team were able to exploit the openings due to solid defensive work. Ed Nixon was a sound presence in the centre of the Nuneaton defence but man-of-the-match was awarded to Chris Ellis who repeatedly made outstanding saves and was always there when the side needed.

NUNEATON IV 1 NORTHAMPTON SAINTS IV 2

After a third successive defeat to an unexpectedly strong Saints side, Nuneaton find themselves rooted to the bottom of the BodyKraft South East Division One table.

The home side were disjointed and lacked cohesion from the start as Saints took an early grip and pressurised the Nuneaton defence.

When the hosts did win the ball, poor decision-making and inaccurate passing let them down badly and only served to aid the visitors’ cause. A firmly struck penalty corner gave Harry Taylor no chance in the Nuneaton goal, although several fine saves kept the margin to a single goal at the break.

Nuneaton found some rhythm in the second half and pushed forward more confidently as the team held its shape and posed problems for a sound Saints defence.

A carefully weighted through ball from Lapsley allowed Josh WAGG time to smash the ball high into the net and Craig Gilchrist had a golden opportunity shortly after but his effort went wide of the post.

With a draw looking likely, Nuneaton were over-elaborate and lost the ball in midfield, allowing Saints to out number the home defence and fire a winner with only minutes remaining.

Youngsters Taylor, Gilchrist, Wagg and Marston are showing real potential and getting stronger as each game passes. Next week will be a real test of character as Nuneaton travel to Rugby and face one of the division’s stronger teams.

COALVILLE V 4 NUNEATON V 2

The trip to Coalville for the fifth team’s latest BodyKraft South East Division Two gave the side chance to try and recover from the previous week’s defeat.

Nuneaton started well and enjoyed the majority of possession in the first half. Newcomer Shaun HIRONS scored the first goal for Nuneaton and although the home side equalised before half time, the visitors were ready for the second half and looking to continue the same style of hockey.

In reality the standard of hockey during the second half reflected the weather that graced the match; cold, dismal and disappointing. Despite Shaun HIRONS taking a well-worked second goal, Nuneaton failed to take control of the game and through poor marking, passing and desire, allowed Coalville to score three goals.

The game, however, brought some good performances from the team with Shaun Hirons performing well in attack, and Grant Sketchley looking impressive and being denied a goal by some excellent last man defending skills.

Next Saturday will require much more determination, application and confidence from Nuneaton.