Bradford coach positive despite defeat (From Bradford Telegraph and Argus)

Bradford coach positive despite defeat

12:38pm Wednesday 3rd December 2008 in Sport By Nigel Stubley

Bradford Hockey Club coach Stuart Harrison remained upbeat despite seeing his side slip to a 5-3 defeat at home to Kingston-upon-Hull after they had led 3-1.

An outstanding first half performance saw the hosts move into a commanding 3-1 lead against a team who had only lost to unbeaten leaders Boston Spa.

BHC produced some stunning hockey, showing good movement off the ball, excellent passing and a high-tempo pressing game.

A Steve Hodgson hat-trick, after great build-up play involving Mark Backhouse and Nick Wright for two of the goals, gave Bradford the upper hand in a half they completely dominated before a disputed umpiring decision gave the opposition a lifeline.

The subsequent score seemed to shake Bradford’s confidence as Hull pulled another back prior to the interval.

A defensive error allowed Hull to equalise in the second half which saw the hosts struggle to recapture their first-half form.

The loss of centre back Iain Lettice with a hamstring injury compounded matters with Bradford losing their shape in the subsequent reshuffle.

Hull proceeded to take the game 5-3 but Harrison said: “Bradford can take a lot out of this performance.

“We caused a very good side a lot of problems and need to take those positives into two important games coming up to the Christmas break.”

If Bradford can continue this standard, the points will undoubtedly start to accumulate and avoiding relegation from Yorkshire Division One is a real possibility.

Bradford’s third team moved into third place in Division Seven with a 3-0 victory over Leeds.

They took an early lead when Paul Bateson’s sharp first-time shot in a crowded D gave the keeper no chance.

Bradford dominated the remainder of the half and played some fine passing hockey, with Callum Hodson exceptional in midfield.

Nim Pathmanathan inc-reased the lead when he finished a fine solo run by putting the ball through the keeper’s legs.

A third goal came after the break when a superb pass from Dave Neville, deep in his own half, found Path-manathan, who rounded the keeper to bag his second from a sharp angle.

When Leeds enjoyed a brief spell of pressure, Bradford’s defence dealt with it and ended deserved winnners.

Bradford’s second team were 4-0 losers at Sheffield, while the under-13s national mini-hockey championships at Halifax and Leeds was postponed due to the weather.