Premiership

Taunton Vale 3 Whitchurch 3

FOLLOWING their string of good results, Taunton Vale hosted Cardiff based Whitchurch at home last Saturday.

Whitchurch have been struggling at the bottom end of the table all season, relying on their home form to keep them above the relegation zone.

Vale were looking for revenge from their loss in Wales earlier in the season and they employed their simple style of hockey and team ethic to another crisp Saturday afternoon.

However, in the opening minutes, Vale found themselves two goals down.

A change in formation relaxed the home side and allowed their hockey to flow creating a chance for Michael Nicholson who scored from close range.

A revitalised Vale began to play with more belief and, following a fine reverse stick pass across the D from Max Beale to Ian Haley, the Whitchurch keeper found himself in treacle as the ball rose off the kicker into the net bringing the scores level.

Vale then took control as Karl Trunks converted a trademark drag flick hard into the goal giving Vale the much-deserved lead.

With only 11 men, Whitchurch would always be dreading the final minutes of the match, however, it was a break-away chance that let them find joy in open play to bring the scores level just before full-time.

Vale felt robbed of the three points and were left to rue squandered chances.

Vale’s next home match is Saturday, February 6, against Truro, 1.30pm push back.

Conference South

Dart 3 Taunton Vale 2s 6

VALE bounced back after their defeat to Plymouth Marjon the previous week with a win over Dart.

They went two goals up from man-of-the-match Jesse Mooney, with delicate finishing.

Vale scored a third from Jonty Stephenson with a shot over the keeper into the net but Dart staged a fightback just before the break with two goals.

Vale were determined not to let things slip in the second half and defender Sam Rixon gave the strikers little room to set up their attacks.

All players linked well together and there was some excellent work around the D for Rich Stock to score his second goal in two weeks.

Thereafter, Paul Hawkins finished a close range effort and George Carson scored another for Vale finishing off a well-worked penalty corner routine.

Although Dart pulled one back, Vale were winners, maintaining their second position and the pressure on leaders Plymouth Uni.

Southern 2

Taunton Vale B 5 Yeovil & Sherborne A 2

VALE returned to winning ways defeating last year’s promotion rivals Yeovil & Sherborne by three goals.

They started impressively and took the lead within the first five minutes with Tom Tridgell grabbing the opener.

Calvin Bull doubled the lead soon after as Vale looked to be in the ascendency.

Yeovil fought back and scored two themselves in quick succession as Vale’s tendency to turnover ball cost them dear.

Just before half-time, Liam Elliott scored with a clever deflection from Jerry Osborne’s cross and the second half continued to see Vale dominate possession.

Tom Tridgell grabbed his second goal with a diving far post finish from a Mark Aspden cross and Ben Luxton picked up the fifth with a trademark drag flick as Vale ran out comfortable winners.

Man of the match - Tom Tridgell.