HOCKEY: YARDLEY’s poor run of form continued on the road at promotion hopefuls West Bromwich on Saturday as they fell to a 6-1 defeat in the West Midlands Division One.
Although almost back to full strength, Yardley found life very difficult right from the start as their defence was called into early action that needed some smart saves by keeper Neal Makepeace to prevent the home side scoring.
However, the constant speedy attacks by West Bromwich eventually told and the game virtually won by half time as three goals were scored.
At half time Yardley changed tactics and altered their line-up which led to an improvement and they were able to exert a little more in the way of attacking play.
From a rare short corner, Gavin Hetherington, a defender pushing forward, was able to drill a pass into the D where it was met by Noor Zaman to reduce the arrears.
When Yardley were able to create some attacking play they looked quite promising but unfortunately these chances were few and far between.
More good work by keeper Makepeace and a clearance off the line by Jeevan Chagger from a short corner kept West Brom at bay for a while.
However, a late surge by the home side pressed home their superiority with three more goals and they climbed to the top of the table courtesy of this result.
Yardley face another tough game this week, at home to Wolverhampton.
