HOCKEY: A RUN of several heavy losses finally came to an end for Yardley on Saturday but they still shipped in three goals at home to Wolverhampton in the West Midlands Division One league.
A young Yardley side had anticipated another uncomfortable afternoon but they can be proud of a 3-0 scoreline against one of the best sides in the league.
The visitors soon settled into their stride and began to boss the game. After forcing several short corners, Wolves finally edged one home courtesy of a partially stopped shot on goal that trickled back over the line.
Continuing to dominate, the visitors added a second as a result of a poor attempt at a clearance.
Yardley gradually began to make their presence felt with a few half chances themselves but they lacked that clinical edge in front of goal.
The rest of the half continued with the Wolves on top but Yardley worked hard to create whenever possible however there were no further goals before the break.
The second half began in much the same way with Wolverhampton enjoying most of the possession and a third goal came as a result from a short corner.
The visitors tried hard to add to their tally but to Yardley’s great credit they stuck to their task and a combination of dogged and determined defending, excellent goalkeeping and wasteful finishing enabled the home side to keep Wolves at bay.
As the second half progressed Yardley began to grow in confidence and inspired by some surging runs by defender Gavin Hetherington, they began to create more chances.
Zach Jarvis went very close with a great effort from a short corner that was well saved on the line but the hosts could find no way past an equally resolute Wolves defence.
The game ended with the Wolves somewhat frustrated that they could not add any more to their score and with Yardley on the front foot eagerly seeking some consolation for a very praiseworthy effort especially throughout the second half.
This Saturday Yardley complete the first half of their season away at Evesham and Badsey.
