Hockey: North Somerset prove just too strong for Marlborough men in a hard fought encounter

North Somerset        4     Marlborough    3                

After a convincing win the week before, Marlborough travelled to North Somerset (November 7) expecting a tough match as only one point separated the two sides in the league table.

North started the game in the ascendancy and applied a high press that had Marlborough struggling to break through.  Having used this press many times to their own advantage, Marlborough adjusted their style of play accordingly and soon found themselves with a foothold in the game.  

Both sides were looking dangerous going forward and very soon North Somerset took the lead with a vicious shot across the Marlborough goal.

Desperate to make amends Marlborough reapplied themselves in all areas of the pitch and were soon on level terms once more:  an exquisite move from defence to attack in a matter of seconds resulted in the equaliser when Matt Way timed his 30 yard pass across the D to perfection which allowed young striker Rhys Davies to connect from close range.

The second half began with both sides knowing that they were in for a scrap, but it was North who once again seized the initiative scoring shortly after the restart from a reverse stick shot.  The game became more fractious with several contentious decisions and tackles flying in from all angles.  

Marlborough looked dead and buried when North converted a short corner to leave the visitors facing a 3-1 deficit.

Marlborough once more dug deep and showed their pride by pulling not one but two goals back with 10 minutes to go – both scored by attacking midfielder Gareth Playfair.  
The first was scored after a mazy, angled run across the top of the D before a surprise near post shot baffled the North keeper.  The second was the result of fantastic persistence and no lack of skill when after drawing the keeper out Playfair side stepped and deposited the ball over the line.

Both sides knew the next 5 minutes had the potential for heartbreak or jubilation and it was Marlborough who found themselves on the end of heartbreak when a break down in a short corner fortuitously allowed North a clear shot close to goal – which they took.  

A hard fought game by both sides with North the 4-3 victors.  Skipper Rich Holman expressed his pride at how the team had responded to adversity and particularly highlighted the efforts of Keir Aymes-Headley who had moved to central defence for the first time that day.  His was an outstanding performance under difficult circumstances.  

Keir Aymes-Headley was also a thoroughly deserving Marlborough News Online man of the match.