Match Report – Letchworth v Bury
So the big night came… it was the national cup semi final between the home team Letchworth and Bury. It’s only fair to say that our boys were the underdogs and although the squad consisted of a few ex-England players the majority of the team had never even played at Premier league level. Compared to the current Bury line-up which comprised of their Premier league offering which included current International players… Letchworth certainly had a lot to play for. The winners of this game would proceed in the campaign and clash with Herne Bay United’ premier league squad in the final… it was a big game for both clubs.
The level of the game was matched by an excellent crowd that attended and many thanks go to all of them for their support not only of Letchworth Roller Hockey Club but of the sport as a whole.
The game kicked off at a blistering pace, one not often seen by the Letchworth players and their support. Letchworth held their own fantastically from the off and managed to keep the Bury side, despite their speed and agility, at a good distance from the goal. That’s not to say that Ben Howes didn’t do an impressive job as he definitely did by making some strong saves in return to such large slap shots coming in from distance.
Letchworth continued to defend with strength and despite having some more of the ball than perhaps they had imagined the first half ended 3-0 to Bury. Two of Bury’s goals coming from penalties and Letchworth having more than one or two attempts on goal… with the only the goal-cage denying them on one occasion following a Stuart Langley shot.
After a good team talk at half time and the crowd still cheering the teams on the second half started just as fast as the first. This half though Bury seemed to tire slightly and eased off on the pressure defence. This gave Letchworth more time with the ball and they continued to push on the Bury goal. A lapses of concentration (and some hard luck) caught Letchworth by surprise and Bury took full advantage of these opportunities and increased their lead further.
Letchworth had further attempts on goal, including another one that rattled off the metal-work but they were unable to convert these chances following a fine display by Bury’s keeper.
The match ended 7-0 to the Visitors but Letchworth and their fans (and staff) can be proud of themselves for taking the game to Bury and making the whole night a success. Bury now go on to face Herne Bay United in the National Roller Hockey cup final.
The Letchworth Squad consisted of A. Allen, N. Allen, G. Busolini, T. Halfpenny, B. Howes (goal), S. Langley, A. Stewart, N. Warren
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