Firebrands 2 - 4 Marlborough

Marlborough continued their promotion push following a free weekend with last week's game having to be postponed.

Marlborough travelled to Bristol to play a Firebrands team who all but ended Marlborough promotion hopes last year by beating them at a similar stage in the season.

Marlborough started the game brightly with quick ball movement around the back creating space for forward runners. Marlborough threatened the Firebrands circle on numerous occasions but were uncharacteristically wasteful in front of goal, missing numerous half chances in the opening 10 minutes. In the end it was Firebrands who took the lead, following a turnover on the half way line, one direct pass allowed the Brands forward to enter the circle and put the ball into the bottom corner as Brian Marnane attempted to narrow the angle.

Marlborough continued to dominate the first half, playing some great hockey but just couldn't find the finishing touches, this was summed up when the ball had beaten the keeper but the unfortunate Rich Fynn, looking for a deflection finish ended up preventing the ball crossing the line.

At half-time, Marlborough talked about playing with confidence, knowing that if they played another 35 minutes of hockey at the same level as the first half they would continue to create chances.

Marlborough got themselves level when a good attack down the left hand side of the pitch found Rich Fynn in the circle, he played the ball to Rhys Davies on the baseline who's initial shot was smothered by the onrushing keeper but Charlie Hawley was on hand to put the rebound into the corner of the goal. Marlborough felt like this was to be a pivotal moment, they continued to press high up the pitch and got their reward when this pressure caused a turnover high up the pitch, John Berry pounced onto the lose ball, drove hard on an angle before firing the ball into the circle for Will Hughes. He managed to adjust his body position to deflect the ball across hs body into the goal to give Marlborough a deserved lead.

Marlborough continued to dominate the game, but after confusion over which way a decision was given in the Firebrands 25, found themselves heavily overloaded at the back. Firebrands moved the ball well to their forward in the circle who attempted to beat Brian Marnane low to his right, Brian's reactions were top notch and he saved the side of the goal where Chris Jones was on hand to play the ball over the sideline and relieve the danger. Unbelievably and much to the surprise of everyone on the pitch, the umpire blew his whistle and signalled for a stroke. The decision was explained as being for a foul by John Berry, who had sprinted nearly the full length of the pitch to apply pressure before the initial save was made. Marlborough felt extremely hard done by in this situation when the Firebrands forward put the flick agonisingly just out of Brian reach and into the net to bring the score level.

Marlborough quickly regrouped and used the frustration to up the intensity in their play. The ball began to work well through the midfield, with the trio of Anil Sud, John Berry and Mark Kinder all carrying the ball strongly into attacking areas. It was from one of the drives by Anil Sud that Marlborough won a penalty corner . Marlborough elected to play the ball short to Rich Holman who fired it towards the backpost where Will Hughes was once again on hand to deflect the ball deftly into the corner of the goal. One from the training ground right there!

Marlborough finished the game as a competition when John Berry received the ball from John Bromley following a strong carry by the veteran Right Half. He turned in field and found Rich Fynn inside the circle, he held the ball just long enough for John Berry to get back ahead of the play. The ball was played with pinpoint accuracy across to John Berry who showed his quality to sweep the ball into the goal despite great physical pressure from the Firebrands defenders.

Marlborough managed to see the game out with minimal worry thanks to some excellent game management form the front 5. Marlborough were delighted to pick up the 3 points despite some challenging circumstances. The fact that Marlborough have come from behind to win on multiple occasions shows both the confidence and togetherness of the group.

The result was made even better with the news that Bath Buccs dropped further points extending Marlborough lead at the top. They will end the week a minimum of 7 points clear (If Bristol Uni win their game in hand and leapfrog Bath Buccs into 2nd place). Marlborough know that a win next weekend at home to Bristol Uni would be a huge step towards achieving their ultimate goal of gaining promotion by winning the league.

Man of the Match was awarded to Will Hughes for his two goals and all round pressing intensity.

D*** of the day was "awarded" to Rich Fynn, who seemed to be channelling his inner Peter Schmeichel with stunning saves to deny Marlborough from scoring on two separate occasions...