Hillhead impress against clinical Clydesdale

In their opening encounter of this year's National League, Hillhead faced much fancied rivals Clydesdale at G.H.K on a cold and dull morning.

The hockey from the outset lit up the morning with Clydesdale totally dominant in the opening exchanges, with flowing hockey causing Hillhead all sorts of problems.  Hillhead welcoming five new players to their squad took time to settle.  Clydesdale took full advantage of this early disharmony as they took a deserved lead after confusion in the Hillhead defence left keeper Westwood with no chance.  Hillhead settled into the game after this early setback and gradually began to compete more with their impressive opponents.  They were, however, to face a setback late in the half with Clydesdale adding a second goal after a beautiful passing move.

Halftime      HIllhead      0     -        2      Clydesdale

Hillhead took to the field in the second half looking for the more of the good attitude and effort applied in a difficult first half.  As it happened, they gave every ounce of energy they had creating ten times as many chances in the second half as they did in the first.  Like a side transformed, they grew with confidence and started linking up more successfully than in the first half.  Chances came and went, until late in the match with John Reid sealing a good performance with a penalty corner strike.  Six minutes to go, game on!  Hillhead with nothing to lose pushed for the win, with four players posted high in search an equaliser.  Unfortunately this allowed Clydesdale to counter attack and score a third and final goal, sealing the three points in an enthralling encounter.  No points, but plenty of positives for a squad of players that had never met let alone played together.

Thanks to Ronnie Meikle for umpiring and all the support.

Fulltime      Hillhead      1    -      3      Clydesdale