Hockey: Marlborough men’s unbeaten run continues earning more valuable points

Marlborough 1  Leominster 1                        

After an encouraging unbeaten run of three games, allowing Marlborough to pick up some much needed points in their bid to avoid relegation, third placed Leominster made the trip south (February 22) knowing they would be in for a tough game.  

The previous affair between the two sides had been a strange game as Marlborough had dominated the majority of the game before capitulating and allowing Leominster to claim an easy victory.  

Marlborough started this game the more positive of the two sides, playing with a fluidity and purpose that their opponents could not match.  And Marlborough were unlucky not to take the lead following several dangerous attacking moves.  

Once again the Marlborough press worked wonders against the opposition as Leominster were reduced to speculative long ball tactics in order to break the mounting pressure.  However, the first half ended 0-0.

It was clear the second half of the game could well have a huge impact on the rest of the home team’s season and  Marlborough once again started positively.  

To counteract this Leominster pressed higher themselves, allowing the Marlborough defence and midfield less time to enjoy possession of the ball.  

Several near miss chances for both sides followed with the tension and pressure of the situation obvious to both the players and spectators.  

Disaster struck for the home side with roughly 15 minutes to go when an incorrectly awarded short corner was thundered home by the Leominster striker.  

Rather than hang their heads in disappointment, Marlborough switched their formation putting four people upfront.

This tactical change allowed Marlborough to heap further pressure on the visitors and finally they were rewarded for their efforts when John Duffy’s mazy run and cross found Marlborough captain Rich Holman at the far post for a calm finish.  

With only two minutes left in the game both sides were unable to conjure any further chances and the game ended at a well deserved 1-1.

The TH White man of the match was coach, defender, centre forward and tactical wizard Matt Way after a truly inspirational performance.