Marlborough vs Westbury and UB Marlborough lose 3-2
With their relegation from the Davis Wood Hockey League’s Championship Division confirmed, Marlborough made the short trip to Bristol to play Westbury who themselves needed a win to ensure they would not be dragged in to a final day relegation scrap.
The game started with Westbury dominant and being able to open Marlborough up seemingly at will. Thankfully for the visiting side they squandered their chances, several of which came from Marlborough defensive errors.
Marlborough’s main attacking threat throughout the half came down the left and right flanks with skilful wing play from John Bromley and Matt Ashton.
Marlborough took the lead somewhat against the run of play towards the end of the half when Ashton and Matt Osborne combined for some deft one-two passes which Ashton followed up by rounding the keeper and calmly finishing into the open goal.
The second half began with Westbury upping their game further, no doubt feeling hard done by at score line that did not do them justice.
Marlborough had to weather attack after attack and somewhat inevitably Westbury scored their deserved equaliser after some confusion close to goal. They then pressed further on and took the lead after a quick break following some indecisive refereeing which left Marlborough flat footed.
The third Westbury goal followed soon after putting Marlborough 3-1 down with not long left in which to redeem the situation.
To their credit Marlborough dug in and did not stop running or harrying their opponents and with three minutes to go captain Rich Holman scored after outwitting the Westbury goalkeeper with some sublime skill and a reverse stick strike.
Marlborough tried their utmost in the remaining minutes to fashion an equaliser but ran out of time.
Go to the Club’s website for more information and fixtures.
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