Timperley made the short trip to local rivals Bowdon Hightown for the second round of the EH Cup. A few changes/additions to personnel for this double header weekend meant Timperley weren't able to field their usual squad. However, having hosted Bowdon in pre-season, and on the back of a series of losses in the league, the pressure was off. There was no expectation to win the game, the side knew they would be up against it, but the message pre-game was clear...be competitive, challenge them, and if they were going to win, then they would have to come up with the goods, we would not hand them victory on a plate.

The clash of local rivals drew in the crowd who took their place in the late autumnal sunshine as the game commenced. Timperley intent to hold firm and keep their structure had tightened things up in the middle of the park. The early exchanges saw the Bowdon side probing and looking to get an early advantage, but the Blues were sticking to their task. Forcing Bowdon out wide, their early chances were nullified.

Having suffered defeats in the last few games, and having conceded early in those games, you'd perhaps assume there would be a nervousness within the Timperley outfit. However, you would be mistaken. Despite the losses, and the manner of defeats, the Timperley side took to this game with a renewed vigour and a desire to take the intensity and competitiveness from yesterday's league game. This served the visiting outfit well. Although the opposition had more possession and certainly were pressing and creating more chances, they failed to take the lead and their frustration started to show. Perhaps the deciduous offerings from the trees at the back of the goal aided the Timperley defence in the D?!

To have contested and competed over the first thirty-five minutes was a source of confidence for the visiting outfit, as was the absence of the opposition who disappeared for half-time. Cath Thompson-Smith also left the playing area at half-time...and missed the start of the second half, but more of that later!

Rick Kenefick, stepping in as coach, tweaked, modified and instructed at various intervals. The message now being that we'd shown them we could compete with them, but now it was time for Timperley to start playing their own hockey and creating opportunities for themselves.

From the initial push back Timperley took the ball forward, some good hassling from Mortimer, Molloy and Pepper kept the Bowdon outfit penned in, and Timperley started to find a foothold in the game. Frustratingly, the collective efforts in defence, to hold the formation and structure, started to falter. Focus? Fitness? Fatigue? Questions that will be dissected midweek. The chink in the Blue armour had been found and Bowdon, keen to take control of the game after a frustrating first half, took their chance.

Timperley, were not out yet, and certainly not discouraged. In relatively quick succession a second goal was scored. Despite being 2-0 down, it didn't feel insurmountable and if Timperley could just get the ball in the right areas there was a belief they could still take something from this game.

From the push back they again pressed forwards and put the home side on the back foot. This incisive play caught the home team out and Timperley were awarded a short corner for their bold, direct play. Unfortunately, Timperley's attacking play has failed to really get

going this season. When they get in and around the D, despite working the ball well and getting into the right areas, the side is still coming up short. Indecision? Naivety? Or maybe just the leaves? Again more questions to focus on midweek and try to solve!

Inevitably, Bowdon took heart from this and as Timperley naturally began to tire, the ball was moved well by the home side, stretching Timperley's defensive formation and the gaps began to open up. The game out of sight by the time the third goal was slotted home.

So, for the second time in two days Timperley suffered a 3-0 defeat. In all honesty, and no disrespect to either opposition, the result in both games probably flatters the home side. There have been big strides within the Timperley side to adapt their approach to games, taking the intensity from training into these fixtures. Closing down, pressing and not giving the opposition the time, or space to play the ball. Today's game in particular showed a maturity from the side to modify their play having learnt from previous outings. Even more pleasing was the fact that this was done without several of the usual squad. No-one likes losing, and at the minute, losing has become a bit of a "habit". Habits are hard to break. But just as losing is a habit, it is the habitual side of things that this side will need to focus on!

"We are what we repeatedly do, excellence then is not an act but a habit." Timperley's results to date are not excellent. But there are significant improvements that have been made over the last few weeks. The pre-season result between these two sides, shows the progress in such a short space of time. For a large proportion of the game they held a National Prem side to a goalless draw. That is something to build on!

It is definitely disheartening to suffer consecutive losses, but there is a an element of realism within the side. Having faced the opposition they have in recent games, they have essentially been "schooled" in the rigours of National League hockey. The side needs to become hardened to the demands of the league and more savvy in how to play at this level. Those facets of the game will develop and have no fear the side are working hard during training to tweak the areas previously mentioned.

Timperley now face a week off ahead of two massive home games. Plenty of time to rest weary limbs, and to focus on the significance of those two games. They have earned the right to play in this league and now it's time to go out and play, shackles off and show the league they are here to compete and not merely make up the numbers!

MOM: Jointly awarded to Alex "please can you hold this?" Pepper and Sarah Chancellor

DOD: Cath Thompson-Smith half-time loo stop??

Once again thank you to those who came out to support us today...please keep the faith, we hope to reward your faith, loyalty and support soon with points on the board! Best wishes to Bowdon Hightown in the next round and for the rest of their season.

Remember, remember the 5th November gun powder, treason and plot! Timperley will be hosting Sutton Coldfield on the 5th at 12:30...let's hope the ladies have plotted and schemed to break this run of defeats!