Keswick 1s v Southport 1s

This weekend Keswick entertained Southport 1s who have had a slow start this season; keswick were confident of getting a good result.

The game started slowly with Southport retaining much of the initial possession. However, this didn't last long with Keswick opening up the scoring with a great run from Mark Proctor into the D who slipped the ball left for Rikki Barnes to easily place the ball in the back of the net. From that moment on, Southport parked the bus to try and absorb the regular attacks from Keswick. This was temporarily interrupted by the first 'dog on the pitch' of the season. As the half went on, the attacks from Keswick became much more frequent with a couple of Penalty Corners awarded and attacks on goal. Unfortunately Keswick were unsuccessful in taking advantage, especially when Luke Heap's attempt was cleared from the goal line by their defender. The final Penalty Corner lead to a turnover which saw Keswick quickly tracking back; fortunately, Clive Swanston was on top form to rescue the ball from the top of Keswick's D.

Half time 1-0 to Keswick.

Keswick continued their attacking dominance in the second half. Unfortunately, this lead to gaps at the back which Southport countered, and when Southport's shot was stopped by the foot of Chris Mattear, a Penalty Flick was awarded. Southport flicked bottom left and was well read by Keswick's Peter Tolmie (making his 1st team debut for the season) who dove the correct way but the ball found enough of a gap for Southport to level the score at 1-1.

Keswick's frustration was palpable as challenges from both teams intensified. Harsh challenges lead to cards issued to players on both teams, but it was always Keswick on the constant attack. Several fantastic plays from Mark Bowen, Shaun Wilson, Charlie Jackson and Thomas Morgan gave opportunities but the D was too crowded with Southport players to clinch that vital goal. Hope came at the end of the match when a last minute Penalty Corner was awarded to Keswick; however, it was not to be as the keeper saved Tom's effort.

Full time 1-1.