Hockey: Marlborough men make it a one-nil win over Firebrands – and over the torrential rain

Marlborough   1      Firebrands B   0                    

After the previous week’s loss, Marlborough men’s first team knew that Saturday’s (November 8) game against Firebrands B would be of extra significance if they were to stay within striking distance of the league top spots.   Firebrands had won the previous week and had subsequently moved in to a mid-table position just three points behind Marlborough.

As the rain began to pour down, the game started with Marlborough very much on the front foot.  Firebrands were pegged back well within their own half and Marlborough were able to pick up stray passes in the midfield area.  Due to the nature of the game play became quite congested with not much space for either side.

Marlborough took the lead after a quick, incisive attacking move led to Will Radnedge.  He skilfully shielded the ball and, after rounding a defender, the young striker calmly flicked the ball in to the right hand side of the goal.

After the goal Marlborough were again in the ascendancy and had several more opportunities to score, but the final control and composure evaded them.  Perhaps this could be linked with the absolute torrent of rain that was bucketing down making footing unsure and visibility poor.

Thankfully the rain eased after half time and the sun even made a brief appearance to help dry both sets of players.  The second half followed much the same pattern as the first, Marlborough were steadfast in defence with Jonty Moore putting in an excellent shift of break up play and ball distribution in the middle of the Marlborough midfield.

Marlborough made several excellent chances to score but again were unable to convert.  The game looked to be done and dusted until Firebrands were awarded a short corner in the final minute of the game, but it was defended resolutely with some excellent defensive running by Rob Moore (not a relation of Jonty) to see the ball out of play.

The game ended 1-0 to Marlborough and whilst it wasn’t the prettiest of wins, it certainly served to get back on track in the chase for a promotion place.

Marlborough are now in third position in the Central 1 league table – three points behind the leaders, Chippenham.

The Marlborough News Online Man of the Match was Jonty Moore.