Hockey: Marlborough men end the first half of the season with a 1-4 defeat

Marlborough vs West Wilts                    

Marlborough lose 1-4

In the final game before the Christmas mid-season break Marlborough welcomed second placed West Wilts – a long established club based in Warminster – to renew their yearly rivalry.  But the Marlborough team was well aware that the two sides had been enjoying very different seasons.

Having played well the previous week against top of the league City of Bath, Marlborough once again faced a successful team, knowing the game would be an open affair.  

West Wilts started the more dominant of the two sides and their slick ball movement at high tempo caused Marlborough some problems.  In response Marlborough slightly adjusted their press and were successful in nullifying the threat Wilts posed.  

In search of another route to the lead West Wilts made several changes of their own and soon took the lead after a mazy run and sharp strike into the top right hand corner of the goal.

With half time approaching, Marlborough desperately tried to get back into the game and after some intricate build up play were awarded a short corner.  The resulting picture perfect play designed by player-coach Matt Way resulted in the equaliser for Marlborough – with Way himself blasting the ball in from a tight angle.

The second half began with West Wilts once again reasserting themselves and they soon began to dominate proceedings.  Brian Marnane was kept busy in goal and denied Wilts several chances to regain the lead.  

Unfortunately Marlborough could not hold West Wilts at bay and two quick goals put the home side in deep trouble.
Marlborough tried their best but found the opposition had just that bit of extra quality and West Wilts finished the job in style with a reverse stick strike from the top of the D making the final score 4-1.  

Newcomer Simon Slabbert earned his first and well deserved, ‘TH White Man of the Match’ award for some excellent defensive work under constant pressure.

Let’s hope everyone stays fit over the Christmas period for a tough looking second half of the season.