Sidmouth 1- Marlborough 4

Marlborugh made the long (but favourite) away trip to play Sidmouth looking to build on last week's opening day victory.

Marlborough started the game well, managing to maintain early possession and a succession of aerial passes allowing the forward line to create chances in behind the Sidmouth defence. The early pressure lead to the opening goal when Matt Way quickly took a free hit outside the 25m line and played the ball in towards the back post, Will Hughes managed to get a touch but could only turn the ball onto the post, fortunately Rich Fynn was quickest to the follow up and was able to calmly put Marlborough ahead.

The game was being played at a frantic pace with chances being half chances being created at both ends. Marlborough were disappointed to see Sidmouth equalise midway through the half and then were reliant on the excellent goalkeeping of Brian Marnane to narrow the angles well on a couple of dangerous situations.

Marlborough began to reassert themselves on the game and managed to retake the lead when Rhys Davies showed fantastic composure inside the circle, receiving the ball with his back to goal he turned onto his reverse and powered the ball into the bottom corner. Marlborough held onto their lead going into half time and this positive half was epitomised by Will Hughes who charged back to make an important interception inside the Marlborough defensive circle despite having been the highest forward when the ball was turned over.

At half time a clear plan for the second half was set out which Marlborough carried out to great effect. The game continued to be played at a great pace but Marlborough maintained possession through their midfield allowing for space to be created for overlapping runs to cause havoc in the Sidmouth defence. This play lead to Marlborough extending their lead when Will Hughes was put through with the keeper and slotted the ball under his body into the goal.

Marlborough's lead looked secure and they held out especially well despite being reduced to 10 men following Matt Way "taking one for the team" by receiving a green card for breaking down the play just outside the 25m line.

Marlborough put the game fully to bed when Matt Osborne called for and scored a diving back post deflection at a short corner giving the Sidmouth Keeper no chance.

Marlborough were really pleased with their margin of victory over what was a very good Sidmouth team. The game was played in the right spirits throughout with both teams playing some great attacking hockey.

Man of the match was awarded to Will Hughes for his tireless work rate and composure in front of goal

D*** of the Day was once again "awarded" to Rich Fynn for some of the backhand "rockets" he sent at goal which could have been hazardous to the poor Sidmouth keeper's health