Middlesbrough Roller Hockey Club came up against their stiffest test of the season so far this season when they played Grimsby, a team which nicked a last gasp 7-7 draw in this fixture last season. Buoyed by their convincing win against Manchester a week earlier though Middlesbrough where determined to keep their perfect start to the season going.
Middlesbrough took the game straight to their rivals and took the lead within two minutes thanks to Captain Michael Ableson. Grimsby has one of the most inform attacking players in the country though and he quickly found his range as he drew Grimsby level at one each. With both teams nervous not to make mistakes, neither team managed to find the back of the net again for the next ten minutes. Middlesbrough called a time-out, made two substitutions and were instructed to commit more players forward in order to make the next break through. This worked exactly as planned as Michael Ableson, John Jones and Owen Stewart twice hit the back of the net before Grimsby were able to respond. Middlesbrough coming in at half time 6 goals to 2 in the lead.
The second half started quickly, Grimsby taking Middlesbrough by surprise as they bagged their first goal of the half only 2 minutes in. Middlesbrough, taken by surprise by Grimsby’s fast start responded immediately through Marc Rutland as he netted for his first of the game. The Teesiders then made the game comfortable when new boy Sam Kay grabbed his first two goals of the game to take the score to 9-3. Grimsby were not prepared to let the game slip away though and as Middlesbrough took their foot off the gas Grimsby scored three well taken unanswered goals. With the score line now at 9-6, Middlesbrough regained their composure, made two substitutions and started to dominate possession once more. With a three goal cushion Middlesbrough closed out the game showing a maturity which has often been lacking. With no further goals for either side Middlesbrough sealed the win by 9 goals to 6.
Player manager John Jones commented after the game “We dropped two points to Grimsby in this fixture last season which proved vital in our challenge for the title. The squad was determined not to let this happen again and every player showed a new level of maturity in the way they performed tonight. We are only three games in to the season and there is still a long way to go, we are taking each game as it comes but it is pleasing to see the team going from strength to strength.”
John Jones
