Marlborough 2 Yate 2
After last week’s crucial win which kept Marlborough within touching distance of league safety, Marlborough made the short trip to Yate looking for further gains.
The season’s previous contest between the two sides had ended with a 2-0 victory for Yate, but Marlborough knew that this was a game there for the taking.
As expected the opening few minutes were a tight affair with both sides allowing the other to play a free flowing form of hockey which really set the tone for the rest of the game.
Swift, attacking play allowed both sets of players to express themselves, but both sides’ defences always seemed to be in the right place at the right time at the final moment.
The deadlock was broken when Yate were awarded a short corner and following the initial shot which Marlborough were unable to clear fully, one of the Yate forwards finished from a tight angle.
Undeterred at conceding the opening goal Marlborough pressed forward and started squeezing the opposition for possession and were unlucky not to convert several excellent chances.
With just a few minutes to go before half time Marlborough levelled the score after some intricate forward play and pinpoint perfect passing allowed striker and player-coach Matt Way to finish at the back post. And it stayed 1-1 till the interval.
Marlborough dominated the second half in possession, but were unable to capitalise on their pressure. And yet again they found themselves behind after a mix up in the D allowed Yate to pounce and finish sharply.
Having been in this position many times during the season, Marlborough drew on all of their collective experience and continued to play a patient and tactful game.
Their persistence was rewarded when some ten minutes before full time veteran defender and drag flick specialist Chris Jones scored from a short corner routine.
The final result stood at 2-2 following a tough, physical battle.
Marlborough’s spirit was personified by the TH White man of the match Will Langton following a measured and strong performance in his second start for the first team.
