Weston-super-Mare Hockey Club were beaten 5-0 by South Gloucestershire in their first pre-season friendly last Saturday.

However, within the first few minutes, South Gloucester threw an aerial straight down the middle of the pitch and scored past the despairing dive of temporary goalkeeper Oliver Standeven. Two minutes later the hosts made the same play and scored again to make it 2-0 after five minutes.

Weston desperately tried to re-group with Jacob Dale, Ross Harrington and Rob Mount starting to move the ball around the back. 

However, South Gloucester were still dominant and Weston introduced some changes bringing on James Leeks and Fin Baker. 

Weston started to spread the ball wider, with the midfield of Nick Bily, Cameron Slater, CJ Neate and George Davis managing to win and move the ball around, developing chances for Alex Leeks, Jack Pitt and Elliott Wood. 

In the second half Weston tried a different formation with Mount and Neate as wing-backs.

Weston’s best move came from a quick passing attack, ending with Bily diving at the far post, sliding into the goal but without the ball! 

A Weston short corner was then saved on the line followed by a flick from Pitt again on the line. 

Despite Standeven making numerous saves, the score ended 5-0 to South Gloucester.