Marlborough 1 Firebrands B 0
After an exciting, frustrating, dynamic and frankly odd game against Chippenham the previous week – which resulted in a loss – Marlborough hosted Firebrands B from Bristol who had also begun the season with a mixed bag of results.
Desperate not to start the game in a similar fashion to the previous week, Marlborough dominated from the outset and soon had Brands pegged back in their own half and having to rely on low percentage passes to relieve the pressure.
Several chances were built up down both wings, through the middle and from crash balls aimed at the centre of the D, but Marlborough were unable to apply the finishing touch. After several shots were also smartly saved by the Brands keeper, murmurs of discontent could be heard from the spectators who had come to cheer the home side on. Still 0-0 at half time.
Marlborough began the second half much as they had ended the first half – by having the lion’s share of possession and chances to create and to score, yet the deadlock still could not be broken. There was a palpable sense of unease starting to run through the Marlborough team as with the game scoreless it would only take a momentary lapse for Brands to steal in for a goal of their own.
The home side’s fears were almost realised when Brands were awarded a dubious short corner, but thankfully debutant goalkeeper Rich ‘The Fridge’ Newton stood strong and smothered the effort.
Despite the tense nature of the game for both sides, a strong element of sportsmanship, fairplay and respect was present throughout. This was highlighted when Marlborough skipper Rich Holman voluntarily gave the ball back to the opposition following a perceived infringement – the true embodiment of the Marlborough spirit.
After many more shots and opportunities, the deadlock was finally broken with a superb piece of individual skill and composure from Marlborough striker Gareth Playfair.
Following a short corner clearance from the Brands keeper, Playfair picked the ball high above his head before crashing the ball past the helpless Brands keeper. A goal of the highest quality and at the perfect time.
Marlborough saw out the final five minutes of the match without incident and due to the other results of the day found themselves back up to second place in the league.
The Marlborough News Online Men of the Match were Gareth Playfair and Will Radnege.
The group photo (above) of the Marlborough Hockey Club Men’s First Team was taken before a previous game.
L-R back row: Matt Way, Will Hughes, Will Radnedge, John Bromley, Kier Headly, Anil Sud. Front row: Euan Reed, Will Hodge, Rich Holman (Captain), Brian Marnane, Ryhs Davies, Simon Walker, Isaac Hocking
