Super Saturday Review 16th February

Hillhead 1s 4 – 0 Kelburne 1s – Old Anniesland – National League 1

The 1st team opened Super Saturday on the water base in front of a bumper crowd with a 4-0 victory against Kelburne hockey club. This was a historic moment for Hillhead, as prior to Saturday, Hillhead had never defeated Kelburne in an outdoor National 1 game. In fact, they were the last remaining team that Hillhead at never defeated at the top level despite some very close run games in recent years.

The game started in typical fashion, with both teams eager to stamp their authority on the match. Andrew Black came close to breaking the deadlock for the Hornets, only to see his effort drift wide. Every time Kelburne attempted to up their game they were met by a defiant Hillhead defence, with every forward, midfielder and defender doing their bit to keep out the Paisley side.

Photo Credit: Andy Lovat

Suddenly, the deadlock was broken. Graeme Campbell was on the receiving end of a pinpoint pass, and after eliminating two defenders slid the ball past the onrushing goalkeeper. Advantage Hillhead. Those that were in the crowd would likely have been here before though, Hillhead had a knack for scoring first against Kelburne when the Paisley side were based at Bellahouston, but then conceding four or five.

The second goal came from Ewan Campbell after collecting a loose ball inside the circle. A front stick squeeze did enough to beat the Kelburne goalkeeper.

Photo Credit: Andy Lovat

Half time: Hillhead 2 – 0 Kelburne

Hillhead started to control the game at this point, creating a number of good opportunities following some slick passing manoeuvres. However, a green card allowed Kelburne to take the initiative and win a succession of penalty corners. The Hillhead corner defence was determined and well organised by Jamie Frail and would not be breached.

Photo Credit: Andy Lovat

Frustration was growing in the Paisley side and this was compounded when Hillhead starlet Jude Boslem was released by a weighted pass and scored an absolute screamer from a narrow angle. An excellent reward for the youngster who continues to go from strength to strength.

Not to be outdone, Fraser Ward unleashed a wicked reverse into the top corner to complete the scoring, although we think he was aiming low back post. From here, Hillhead were able to control the game and the result was never in doubt. Mark Ralph will be delighted with his team starting the second half of the season with not only a win, and not only a clean sheet but a very big bit of history as well.

Michael Sherry won MoM with a performance of highest calibre. Stuart and Michael were unbeatable at the centre of defence and their distribution provided an excellent platform for the team to excel. 

Thanks to everyone who made it down to support on Saturday, the atmosphere on the pitch was electric.

Thanks to the photographers, check out the full albums at the links below.

Ad-hocksports Photography - Andy Lovat

Duncolm Sports Photography - Duncan Gray

Hillhead 2s 3 – 2 Clydesdale 2s – Old Anniesland – Regional League 1

With no fixture for Edinburgh University 2s this weekend Hillhead had the opportunity to close the gap to the league leaders. Campbell/McGucken’s side left it late, requiring an overtime penalty corner to secure three points against their local rivals.

You would be forgiven for thinking that this game should have been more straightforward for the 2s after defeating the same opponents comfortably in a midweek friendly recently. Adam Carmichael and Ruari Thomson got the first two goals for the Hornets but it was the quick thinking of Andrew Hilton at the final penalty corner that sealed the win.

The gap to the leaders is now eight points and could be down to five when Edinburgh University visit Old Anniesland on the 2nd March.

Hillhead 3s 2 – 1 Dumfries 1s – Old Anniesland – West District Division 1(A)

The average age of Jonny Dukes 3rd team was already young, but adding the talented Kyle Flockart, Jason MacNiven and Robert Hamilton made it quite possibly the youngest 3rd team side Hillhead had ever fielded. Matthew Craig got the first goal from open play while Colin Gallagher picked up the crucial winning goal from a penalty corner. The gap to Uddingston 2nd XI is now just 5 points.

Hillhead 4s 5 – 0 Kelburne 5s – Glasgow Green – West District Division 2

Hillhead 4s maintained their comfortable eight point gap at the top of West District 2 with a convincing win against Kelburne 5s. The result would have been even sweeter as Kelburne are the only side to defeat Macintyre-Kemps side this season. GMK picked up a hattrick while Dan Ebbatson and Ewan Methven picked up a single goal each. Having conceded just 6 goals in 13 games this season the 4th team are going to be tough to beat.

Hillhead 5s 0 – 2 Giffnock 1s – Old Anniesland – West District Division 2

Findlay Currie’s side put in a tremendous performance against league challengers Giffnock in the earliest of the days push backs. Having been defeated 9-0 by the same opponents earlier in the season the 5s put in a much improved performance this weekend. The 5s went in at the interval with the score still at 0-0 and were in with a shout of stealing a much needed win but it wasn’t their day and ultimately fell to an experienced Giffnock 1st team.