Marlborough 4 -3 Mid Somerset

Marlborough went into the weekend knowing that a win and other results going their way would seal their promotion with 5 games left to play. That was exactly what they got!

Unfortunately for Marlborough they were going into the match missing several of their more influential players over the course of the season . This allowed an opportunity for Mark Ramage and the prolific Justin Metcalfe, who have continually impressed for the 2nd team this year, to get their chance and they didn't disappoint. With the players available Marlborough made the brave decision to change from their normal line up into a defensive back 3.

The decision paid off immediately with Marlborough completely dominating the early stages and finding space all over the pitch. They won a short corner following a lovely passing move utilising their ability to pivot the ball from one side to the other and find space for their forward runners. The corner was called to Marlborough's new found corner specialist Charlie Hawley. Rich Fynn disguised his flick at goal, opening his wrists up at the last minute to slide the ball into Charlie's path, he adjusted his hands to deflect the ball across the keeper and into the corner of the goal.

Marlborough extended their leading following John Bromley winning the ball in the midfield, he transferred the ball across to Mark Ramage who got his head up and slipped a lovely through ball into the path of the on-rushing Rich Fynn. Rich gathered the ball, rounded the keeper and slotted the ball into the net from a tight angle.

Half time arrived without too much fuss, Marlborough maintaining their domination in both possession and territory, especially when Mid Somerset were reduced to 10 men following a couple of heavy stick tackles.

The message at half time was simply more of the same but Marlborough knew that their reduced squad size for this week might come into play later on in the half.

Marlborough extended their lead early in the second half when the ball was worked down the right hand channel, Charlie Hawley carried the ball well and slipped it into Alex Renwick in the circle. Alex drove left before dragging the ball back to his strong side and lifting it over their advancing keeper in one slick movement, another very composed finish from the talented youngster.

At this point the match looked finished but a quick goal back for Mid Somerset created a shift in the momentum of the game. Marlborough seemed to have less energy in their press and gaps began to appear for Mid Somerset to build the ball into and then apply pressure to the defensive 3 of Marlborough. Fortunately the combination of veteran Chris Jones and youngster Ollie Davies defended in a very composed way at the Marlborough defensive end, snuffing out any further half chances.

Marlborough restored their 3 goal cushion when a period of pressure down the left hand side created space to attack into. Rhys Davies, playing in an unfamiliar midfield role, carried the ball well, drawing in defenders before rolling infield to release the ball square to Rich Fynn. Rich, normally the one applying the finishing touches, carried the ball on an angle before playing it into the circle. Justin Metcalfe had read the play well, getting in front of his marker to deflect the ball over the keeper's foot and into the corner of the goal.

To their credit, Mid Somerset didn't give up and rallied once again. This was definitely helped out by Marlorough going through one of their "funny 5s" which have been so few and far between this season. Mid Somerset managed to score 2 goals within minutes of each other with Marlborough looking tired and turning the ball over in dangerous areas. Fortunately Marlborough were able to weather the storm and hold on for a well deserved win.

The way in which Marlborough played for 65 minutes of the game was a real credit to the strength in depth at the club this season. The ability to win against 3rd in our league despite being without 5 regulars, including their whole midfield is exactly why we have gained promotion and are sitting at the top of the league with a handful of games to go.

Man of the Match was awarded to the evergreen Chris Jones who had a great game winning the ball back numerous times and setting up the Marlborough counter attacks.

D*** of the Day was a tough one this week with no-one really standing out. In the end it was a three way tie between John Bromley for nearly giving us a heart attack in the final minutes, Charlie Hawley for the "sniper" incident when in the attacking circle and Alex Renwick for pretty much no reason at all. After a re-vote it was awarded to Alex Renwick, the general felling that having barely been voted for this season as a 15 year old was enough of a reason for us.