MHC 1s vs Bristol Uni 2s

Coming in on a 3 game win streak Marlborough were full of confidence and looked to further their
position in the league table against Bristol University A who were on a similar run of form.
With former Head Coach Matt Way now spearheading several of Bristol University’s teams coaching
structure Marlborough approached the game knowing that their deepest darkest tactical secrets
would have been laid bare for the opposition to feast their eyes upon….unless Marlborough had
learnt some new tricks?

Unfortunately the fixture didn’t get off to the best of starts as a clerical error had led to there being
no pitch time available to play the game! With some nervous and hasty calls made Bristol UWE
kindly agreed to host the fixture and after a short relocation across Bristol the game began in
earnest with Marlborough stalwart Rich Holman astutely observing that it was now an away fixture
for both sides.

The ‘home side’ (Bristol Uni) started brightly and through sharp movement and quick ball transfer
had Marlborough on the back foot for a great portion of the first 20 minutes, with Marlborough
battling hard in defense to clear their lines. The pressure told on the visitors and Bristol Uni
deservedly went ahead even if the goal itself was somewhat fortuitous after an unlucky deflection
and mistrap left a Bristol striker unmarked and free for an easy finish.

Knowing that they had to dig their heels in Marlborough upped their energy levels and were shortly
after awarded a short corner which was despatched with aplomb by Freddie Hazlitt. The corner
didn’t exactly go to plan but Hazlitt stayed composed and fired a shot in to the bottom left corner for
the equaliser. The game remained fast and furious for the remainder of the half with neither side
able to create a clear chance. 1-1 at half time.

Marlborough knew that to stay in the contest they would need to slow the game down as Bristol Uni
were quick and had a multitude of subs available. Unfortunately Bristol Uni had exactly the opposite
idea and played at an even faster rate and were soon rewarded with another goal following a lapse
in Marlborough concentration. Marlborough were soon back under furious amounts of pressure as
Bristol looked to finish the fixture off but Marlborough were able to keep the score at 2-1 (for now)
with some robust challenges and hard work.

The pressure eventually became too much and Bristol furthered their lead to 3-1 after another slick
move and finish which had left Marlborough scrambling at thin air. Marlborough created a couple of
half chances late on in the contest which could have made for a riotous finale but unfortunately
were unable to add the final touch. A deserved 3-1 victory for Bristol Uni with Marlborough left to
lick their wounds prior to next week’s game against Leominster.

MoM was awarded to skipper John Berry for exceptional work rate in attack and defense.
DoD was a bit of a no brainer as Anil ‘selective memory’ Sud tried to sub himself off for a Hamish
Fyfe only to be told by Fyfe that he couldn’t sub on as he had received a green card only some 30
seconds prior. Perhaps that sums up the day?