Hockey: Late changes prove costly for Huddersfield Dragons second string

Leeds University 3Dragons II 1

THE Dragons seconds had to make some last-minute changes to their starting line-up as they travelled to Headingley for the Yorkshire League Division I clash.

However, they started positively with Foster and Kullar dangerous on the break and the Dragons had several chances to take the lead.

Leeds were sharp on attack, though, and were first to open the scoring when the ball was deflected into the net.

Foster put the Dragons level with a great strike, but Leeds soon went back in front after a ball across the Huddersfield ‘D’ was slotted home by a man unmarked on the far post.

The Dragons competed well in the second half, but mistakes crept in as Leeds’ superior fitness and organisation told.

The home side looked likely to increase their lead, and Dragons goalkeeper Howarth prevented them running away with the game with a string of saves.

Leeds finally extended their lead, but Kullar was unlucky not to pull one back when his effort was saved on the line.

The Dragons now look to pick themselves up for this weekend’s home encounter against York.

Ben Rhydding VII 0Huddersfield Dragons V 6

THE Dragons were guilty of taking their foot off the gas at half-time in their previous Yorkshire League Division VI North outing against Bingley Bees, but this time out showed no mercy in Ilkley.

Mike Pogson opened the scoring with a well-taken individual goal and then set up the second for Jerry Turner, before Mike Greenberry’s shot was stopped by a Ben Rhydding foot and up stepped Gary Clarke to net the penalty stroke to put Huddersfield three up at half-time.

In the second half the Dragons continued to press forward and sweeper John Ridings found himself in the Ben Rhydding ‘D’ and forced the keeper into a save before Greenberry pounced to score the fourth with a spectacular finish.

Soon afterwards Pogson received the ball midway inside the opposition half, created space for himself and scored with a fine strike from the edge of the ‘D’.

Turner completed the scoring when, following a short corner, the ball broke to him and he drilled a shot into the corner.

The fifth string now have a week off before another away trip to Boston Spa thirds.

Dragons V: McFillimy, Ridings, Donovan, Wood, Kullar, Turner, Flavin, Pogson, Dallas, Bird, Greenberry, Clarke.