Taunton Vale 4 - 2 Marlborough

Marlborough's 100% start to the season came to an abrupt end after a disappointing performance in a late afternoon fixture in Taunton.

Marlborough started the game in a positive manner, retaining possession high up the pitch and restricting Taunton to long balls to even clear their own defensive circle. This pressure led to the opening goal when Freddie Hazlitt drove down the left wing channel before turning the ball square to Matt Way who advanced and played the ball in towards the back post. Mark Kinder had led back towards the P spot where he expertly diverted the ball into the corner. Marlborough extended their lead with a carbon copy of the opener with Anil Sud this time supply the pass and Will Radnedge the finish.

At 2-0 up Marlborough have been routinely turning these situations into 3 points however this time it wasn't to be. The game swung when Taunton were harshly awarded a penalty stroke after Rich Newton was adjudged to have covered the ball following a rebound from an initial save. Taunton put the stroke into the top corner leaving him no chance.

Marlborough seemed rattled and their previous dominance over the game was lost as it became and end to end affair. Half time arrived with the scores even, after Taunton levelled the game following a straight strike at a short corner.

Marlborough tried to refocus on what had worked well this season but we're just unable to assert themselves into the game. Taunton continued to play with more and more confidence and made Marlborough looked rushed through the middle of the pitch. The game was very much in the balance when Taunton were awarded another short corner. The initial strike was saved but the loose ball fell kindly and the ball was played back across goal. The ball was then turned in at the far post by forward following him initially controlling the ball with his foot. Unfortunately the near side umpire was unsighted and the umpire at the other end was busy watching a Taunton substitution so the goal stood.

With momentum against them Marlborough started to re-establish their territorial advantage and started to threaten the Taunton circle. Unfortunately they couldn't quite find the finishing touch and credit has to go to Taunton who defended their circle exceptionally well.

Marlborough had to resort to chasing the game by pushing bodies forward, this allowed Taunton to finish the game as a contest when they scored their 4th from another penalty corner.

Marlborough were quite rightly disappointed with their performance but need to maintain the positivity they have built over they start of the season. They will be looking to bounce back with a positive performance e and result next week at home to Wooton Bassett.

Man of the match was awarded to Will Radnedge for being a constant driving force through the midfield.

Dick of the Day was 'awarded' to captain Anil Sud for his Mystic Meg-like premonition of inevitable defeat this season...