A last-gasp goal from Lindum Hockey’s Matt Parker snatched a point away from Doncaster Hockey, in a 4-3 victory, under the lights on Saturday evening.
It was first against second coming into the tie, both having unbeaten records in the England Hockey Conference North this season. Doncaster had won all three of their games before the game, whereas two wins and a draw, meant that Lindum were one place below.
First Quarter:
In an explosive, back-and-forth contest, it didn’t take long for the visitors to assert themselves, taking the lead after just a couple of minutes, with Matt Gibson opening the scoring, from a penalty-corner.
In the 10th minute, a beautiful high pass from a wide and deep position found Matt Bell in the Doncaster circle, where the Lindum man invited a foul to earn his side a penalty stroke. Bell stepped up and slotted it away to even the score.
However, the home celebrations were short lived as only three minutes later, another Doncaster penalty-corner was awarded, which was tucked home past goalkeeper Ollie Carrick.
Second Quarter:
The hosts needed a response after the short interval and started strongly. An opportunity for Ben Read, flicking a difficult chance just over the bar, certainly gave the home side confidence. They came from behind for the second time via the same route as the first. A second penalty stroke was awarded by the officials, which gave the opportunity for Bell to bag his brace within the opening half and get Lindum back on level terms again.
Third Quarter:
A third penalty corner was awarded to Doncaster, and they had the same devastating effect, scoring their third of the game, demonstrating why they were top if the league at the start of the day. This time there was no quick response from the Lindum side, and Doncaster looked to keep the pressure on. Ryan Sproul squandered a great chance for the visitors to potentially wrap up the win, midway through the third quarter.
So, it was advantage Doncaster going into the final 15 minutes.
Fourth Quarter:
A fightback was needed for a third time, and that was exactly what was served. Jack Robson equalised five minutes into the final quarter, squeezing the ball into the goal, leaving the game open for either side to take. A nervy ten minutes passed with both sides pushing to find a winner. As the game rolled into the final minute, a brilliant run from Doncaster’s Sproul left him one on one with Lindum keeper Carrick. From a difficult, tight angle, the Doncaster attacker lifted the ball over the keeper and onto the top of the crossbar.
The following counter-attack saw a penalty corner awarded and a brilliant chance for Lindum to snatch all three points from the game. Matt Parker was the one who took responsibility in the high-pressure scenario and flicked his effort home, sending the Lindum team and supporters into rapture.
Lindum are now the only unbeaten team in the league and sit top of the league after four games. Lindum’s next games are away trips to Ben Rhydding next Sunday (October 22nd), and Oxton the following week (November 4th). Their next home tie is not until November 12th when they entertain Beeston.