It was a beautiful sunny morning in Marlborough and time for the most anticipated derby in sport, the battle of the giants, the clash of the titans, Marlborough vs Devizes. There wasn't an empty seat at the college with fans from both sides pouring through the gates to witness the annual spectacle. After a team bonding photo shoot, an energetic warm up and some wise words from JB and Craig, Marlborough were ready.

Both teams set off in full force with chances being created at both ends. It was Marlborough though that began to look dominant in the first half applying serious pressure to the Devizes defence for the first 20 minutes of the game. Marlborough were rewarded for their hard work with the first goal of the match coming courtesy of Rich Fynn, a well worked Marlborough goal with a clinical finish. Marlborough continued to pile on the pressure and won a short corner just before the half time whistle. This was dispatched into the bottom left hand corner by Freddie Hazlitt who completely deceived the Devizes keeper. Marlborough went into half time the dominant side.

Devizes started the 2nd half with serious intent, pressing the Marlborough defence high making it difficult for them to move the ball around the back. Devizes generated multiple chances in the opening 10 minutes with Marlborough having to work hard to protect their lead. Marlborough made a break against the run of play to win another short corner in the Devizes end. A sublime drag flick from Freddie Hazlitt to the top left hand corner left the Devizes defence stunned as Marlborough increased their lead to 3. Surely this was enough to seal victory for the home side. Devizes reacted well and continued to press Marlborough high, this time their efforts were successful. 2 quick goals for Devizes put them right back in it with 10 minutes to play.

The final minutes of the game were aggressive and scrappy with Marlborough doing what was needed to hold onto their lead and seal their first 3 points of the season! Overall a brilliant game giving Marlborough serious confidence heading into next week.

MOM - Freddie Hazlitt
DOD - Alex Milton