Marlborough 3 - Old Bristolians 2

Marlborough started their season with a competitive opening fixture against Old Bristolians. Both league games last season had been close affairs but will Marlborough taking all 6 points they entered the game with confidence.

Marlborough started the brighter of the two sides, showing composure throughout the pitch and press well to apply pressure every time the opposition tried to advance the ball. This was rewarded when new 1st Team Captain, Anil Sud ghosted through the OBs defence to open the scoring. Marlborough continued to look comfortable in the play but some sloppy play in the middle of the pitch allowed an equaliser before half time.

The second half began in a similar way to the first but with Marlborough starting to fatigue OBs were able to find gaps in our press and looked more of a threat. To Marlborough's credit they continued to move the ball well and created chances of their own. Halfway through the second half they won a short corner from which the initial effort was saved but Matt Osborne, making his return to the club, equalised by forcing the ball over the line. Marlborough looked to have put the game to bed when shortly afterwards the extended their lead to 3-1 when Captain Sud once again found space in the circle to fire the ball home.

Unfortunately old habits die hard and Marlborough did their best to let the opposition back into the game. Once again some poor passing inside their own half allowed OBs to turn the ball over and fire it across the circle to an unmarked forward who deflected the ball home.

It was a tense finish to the game but Marlborough regained their composure and managed to see the game out despite some rather panicky moments. Not exactly a vintage performance but the result gives us a positive start with plenty to build on over the next few weeks.

Man of the Match was awarded to Alex Renwick for his excellent work rate up front, not bad for a 15 year old...

D*** of the Day was "awarded" to Rich Fynn for contributing as much with his feet as he did with his stick