Stratford 1, Wednesbury 1

STRATFORD men's senior squad began preparations for the second half of their campaign in DTZ League Division Two with a friendly fixture last Saturday when they were left to reflect on missed opportunities.

Despite its billing as a 'friendly', the game was played in a competitive spirit throughout, and both sides had the chances to emerge successful.

Wednesbury made a lively start, still on a high from their impressive run of ten straight victories in West Midlands Premier Division, the league they currently lead and from which Stratford were promoted last season.

Defenders Steve Gray, David Fitzpatrick and late call-up Tony Malloy were kept busy by eager running among the visiting forwards. Sweeper Matt Hyatt had to keep his cool in marshalling his midfield when the Wednesbury halves counter-attacked.

A series of short corners were well defended by Stratford, but nothing could be done to prevent a rebound being easily netted to give the visitors the lead.

The equaliser came shortly before the interval as the home side demonstrated how effective they can be when passing the ball early and with pace.

Following a tackle around the halfway line, the ball moved to Ed Grigg in the centre of midfield, then out to right winger Mark Reynolds, who played an accurate pass into the opposition circle.

Unnerved by the approaching keeper, Stratford's leading scorer Mark Leary dispatched the ball goalwards with a calm push.

The second half saw a Stratford resurgence and the visitors were lucky not to concede again.

The home midfield found its rhythm, led by captain Stuart Guise and Grigg, and supported on the wings by Nick Russell and Reynolds. Ed Simpson and fellow striker Leary found themselves with more time and space thanks to the increase in Stratford's pace of play, and both spurned opportunities to clinch victory.

"We want to ensure that the steady progress made throughout the first half of the season is built upon during the early games of the New Year, when we face some of our closest rivals in the league," said manager Andy Woodward.

"Our mid-season friendlies are intended to give us momentum going into our next DTZ clash. Some excellent performances from those deputising in this match show that the club has an increasing strength in depth. It is satisfying to see such commitment and professionalism at all levels."

The next fixture is a friendly on Saturday at Banbury followed on January 18 by a league visit to Nuneaton.

The club always welcomes new players of all abilities, contact Stuart Guise on 07974 179 846 or visit www.stratfordhockey.fsnet.co.uk for more information.

The club is sponsored by Coleman's Office Supplies.

Saturday selections

Stratford v Banbury away, meet club at 12.15pm for 2pm start. Hart, Hyatt, Gray, Guise, Reynolds, Simpson, Leary, Grigg, Brookes, Fitzpatrick, Russell, Phillips.

Stratford II v Banbury at home, meet 2.45pm for 3.30pm start. Helliker, Powell, Dixon, Bowen, Luckett, Stokes, Chorley, White, Miles, Bird, Thomas. Umpires, Blundall, Stokes.

Stratford III v Banbury away, meet club at 11.15am for 12.30pm start. Buckley, Baylis, Cook, Gunnell, Valender, Hazell, Williams, Dunnett, Rigg, Harrison, Finding.

Stratford IV v Edgbaston at home, meet pitch at 1pm for 2pm. Helliker, Watts, Noble, Hobkirk, Sherratt, Baker, McKee, Stagg, Russell, Gregory, Ross, Jones. Umpire, Stokes.