Bees men miss golden opportunity (From Bradford Telegraph and Argus)

Bees men miss golden opportunity

2:50pm Wednesday 1st February 2012 in Hockey By Sports Desk

Bingley Bees travelled to Boston Spa Fourths in Yorkshire Men's Division Six North with high hopes of returning with three much-needed points.

The visitors started strongly, with good movement from the midfield and some solid defence.

However, they could not take the chances which came their way and it wasn't until the 25th minute that a well-worked move led to a half-save for the keeper, the rebound falling nicely for Ben Clough, who swept the ball powerfully into the back of the net.

The final minutes of the half also belonged to the Bees but a second goal was not forthcoming.

Spa came out strong and determined in the second half, and a short corner in the fourth minute was converted with a well-struck shot.

Both sides fought hard in midfield and excellent tackling from man of the match Simon Woodhead broke up many Spa attacks, keeper Bill Livingstone saving any shot which got through.

Unfortunately for them, the Bees missed a golden opportunity to win the game in the dying minutes and had to settle for a point.

When Bingley Bees played Leeds University Seconds away in October, they drew 1-1 in the Yorkshire Women's Premier Division, so the home clash was a good chance for victory.

Having acquired two points from their last two games, Bingley have now moved out of a relegation spot and, anxious to get further up the league, were gunning for a win.

Leeds University arrived at the game with a large squad, and the first half was fast, with some great long balls through to Bingley's attack but they were unable to get on the scoresheet.

Leeds were also strong, moving the ball around well and changing their squad continuously.

At half-time, the score was 0-0 and in the second half Bingley played the ball wide on many occasions in a bid to break down the Leeds defence, player of the day Kate Heaton making some great runs on the left.

Bingley were were unable to capitialise, the best opportunity coming from a long ball to Mel Burgess, who passed it from the right to an empty circle with Heaton running onto it but the Leeds keeper saved.

Bingley continued to defend well but Leeds then won a penalty corner, the ball hitting a foot in the circle.

After some confusion in the Bingley defence, Leeds took the lead against the run of play.

Bingley were unable to get back into the game as Leeds' raised their game and won 1-0.

Bingley Bees Seconds travelled to Leeds Thirds for a late push-back in Yorkshire Women's Division Four.

The visitors began confidently with strong and accurate passing, and strategic substitutions meant they could remain confident against pacy opposition.

Despite tenacious Bingley defence, Leeds managed to break through and, after numerous penalty corners, extended their lead.

Some great passes came through the defence to find striker Jane Sharkey who scored the Bees' only goal.

Every Bingley player worked hard but they were unable to prevent further goals from the home side, who won 5-1.

Lesley Brian was awarded player of the match for the second time in as many games.