Matthew's return inspires victory (From Free Press Series)

Matthew's return inspires victory

Last season's player of the year Matthew Stollery returned to first team action to help Cwmbran Hockey Club back on to a winning footing with a 3-0 victory over West Gloucester on Saturday.

After losing their first Gerrard League game 2-0 at home Gloucester City last week, the Crows were eager to make amends.

But despite their enthusiasm, the first half saw them line up too narrowly, and John Townsend's marauding runs down the left were easily countered due to the lack of width on the right. Townsend was unlucky to see a goal disallowed as the umpires were uncertain whether he had made the decisive touch inside the circle.

In the second half, a change in formation saw Cwmbran take the initiative. With Stollery providing an effective outlet on the right, and Richard Whitcombe dominating play on the left of midfield, the Crows established a more effective pattern of play.

Stollery opened the scoring from a short corner, evading the first defender before sending a laser beam flick between the advancing goalie and the defender on the post.

Paul Rees netted the second after Gareth Price picked up a loose restart and threaded a first time pass for Rees to skip past the defender and shoot. The same combination teamed up for the third. Price picking up a 50-yard pass from Gavin Rose wide on the right, and crashing in a cross which Richard Whitcombe overran taking away the defenders' attention, and Rees slotted home from two yards.

A better performance than last week, but further improvement will be needed to counter perennial rivals Bridgend, next Saturday. Cwmbran A slipped to a 2-0 defeat against Swansea Bay C.

Teenage sensation Richard Winter continued his goalscoring start to the season, netting for Cwmbran B against UW Swansea B. Richard Eaton put away a penalty flick after Tim Miller had been fouled running through on goal. But the students recovered for a 2-2 draw.