Hockey: Albany A upsets Kings in tight game

Albany A made the most of its few opportunities as it secured a tight 2-1 win over Kings United A in their premier 1 Challenge Shield men's match on Saturday.

The game got off to a scrappy start as both teams fought for possession and neither was able to get a shot away.

Kings was the first to gain some control when it pushed against Albany's defence and forced a penalty corner.

However, Albany snuffed out the charge.

Kings continued to test the Albany defence during the next 20 minutes, forcing another two penalty corners, but Albany remained up to the task.

Ten minutes later, Albany had its first scoring chance and made the most of it, as Gabe Rawcliffe slotted the ball into the back of the net to give his side a 1-0 lead.

Kings again came at Albany but could not convert its wealth of possession into a goal and Albany carried its advantage into the halftime break.

Kings finally found the back of the net seven minutes into the second half, when Campbell Payton chipped the ball past the Albany defence.

The next 20 minutes had a familiar feel about them, as Kings took charge and put Albany on the ropes.

But it was again unable to penetrate the tenacious Albany defence and its lack of enterprise ultimately cost it the game.

With just under eight minutes remaining, Albion forced a penalty corner.

Foul play from Kings meant it had to be taken again and this time Albany made no mistake, Josh Smith flicking a backhanded shot into the goal to give his side an unlikely 2-1 win.

Albany will defend the shield in two weeks' time.

In the other premier 1 match, University Blue Whales cruised past Taieri Tuataras 7-0.

In men's premier 2 matches, Southland edged University Trout 2-0 and Southern Development got past University Black Panthers 3-1.

- Noah Graham 

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