Glory to goals in the highest, good will toward (the) men('s 2s)

Marlborough A bounced back from last week’s narrow loss with a tough and thoroughly deserved 3-nil victory. Bath Buccs were a much stronger team than last year and definitely much stronger than their current league position suggests. Importantly, we also climbed back up from 4th to 2nd in the league as a result of a 3-3 score draw between our nearest rivals. So 2nd place at Xmas with all to play for in the New Year!

On match day itself, the foul weather and busy Xmas shopping day, had clearly made traffic conditions awful and we shocked to hear about Rob Hues’ accident. Rob eventually arrived after his accident to join us on our pre-match “Warm Up” – a warm up that definitely was in breach of the trade descriptions act! As we jogged round, Rob shared some of the details of his accident on the M4. Several of us were left in shock as the details unfolded, and we were all relieved (as was he!) to know that it was only his pants, and not his tyres, that he had to change ! (More of Rob’s tyre later!).

Once the game got under way, it was clear that it was going to be a tough game. We were delighted to have Mark Ramage playing again (who truly showed his class) and also with a first appearance this season, and a very warm welcome back to, former 2’s Captain, Will Hodge (who also showed his class, whilst trying to give not to overstretch his tender recovering hamstring – as a Vet you would think he would have some good pills for that kind of stuff! ). Anyway, We played some excellent hockey in the first half and in the middle of the first half, after a concerted period of pressure we won a short corner.

1-0. Goal from a Short Corner – Justin Metcalfe. Ed Watson injected, Mark Ramage trapped, Keith Radnedge (still waiting for his first goal of the season – it will come!), unselfishly, paused, drew to front runner and slipped left to Justin Metcalfe. Justin, controlled the ball, and with his back to goal, moved the ball onto his reverse stick and smashed the ball low under the keeper. Taking the lead was nothing less than we deserved.

Bath Buccs came back strongly towards the second half and put us real pressure. There was an outstanding save from Rich Newton, low to his left which he kept out with a long outstretched toe. Mark Salvidge , Keith Radnedge and Rob Hues were rock solid and defiant in defence and even when Buccs had large periods of pressure, they rarely looked liked penetrating the D. With a high pressing game, the back four (including Ollie Davies) had many periods when they were caught outnumbered and having to make key interceptions, which they did very time of asking. Ollie Davies epitomised the bite and tenacity of the back four when he picked up his “Green Card”. After being beaten by a clever 1-2, he turned and sprinted back and broke up another dangerous by putting his body between the attacker and the ball and stopped another threatening attack – seasoned cynicism, professionalism or just determination – whatever you call it, we loved it and Ollie took a well deserved (in every sense!) 2 min break .

The Half time team talk from Ed Watson, can be summarised as “we are playing great hockey, keep up the intensity, be patient, switch the play quickly and keep enjoying it”.

2-0. Open attacking goal from Ed Watson. We reverted to our starting line up in midfield and we were immediately on the offensive. After several attacks and one surge / sprint too many (or age catching up with him!) Andy Davidson shouted for Hodgy (much to his surprise) to come on for a few minutes. This was a perfect substitution, as Will Hodge found himself in acres of space, surged forward, as defenders back away, he drew the keeper forward and laid the ball across to Captain Ed Watson who calmly picked his spot and shot home.

3-0 Will Hodge scores at a short corner. Almost immediately after going 2-0 up. We won another short corner. We worked another good “switched routine”, it didn’t go exactly to plan, but people kept their heads, did not panic and this time the ball was passed to Will Hodge who found himself in space just in front of goal and his coolly flicked it low into the corner.

Whilst Andy was recovering on the bench, he once again was being entertained by the dynamically and constantly shifting forward line! For those not privileged enough to have witnessed this entertaining saga this season, I will paint the scene..... Well, in order to maintain a high intensity and high pressing game this season, we are asking / demanding all midfielders and forwards to work their nuts off, rotate the substitutes quickly, get a rest and get back on, work hard again. However, in the heat of battle it is not always easy for intended sub-er and sub-ee to catch each other's attention. Picture the scene of a meerkat in the Kalahari desert shouting “Allan, Allan, Allan, Allan, Allan”. SIMPLES !! In amongst this, it is worth noting how converted forward Alex Davies was showing us all how much of a strong player he has become with plenty of guts and drive, even if his compass drifted back to midfield a few times in the press!

This mild entertainment was briefly matched other cameos through the day:

Nat Clarke taking his first truly violent shot at goal and almost sent it out of Marlborough!

Mark Ramage being dumped on his arse! You can be too skilful sometimes...

Rob Hues being hit high in the midriff! He is the only person who could be hit so hard in that place and laugh it off like a gentle tickle. He was seen to be rubbing it for a while, presumably to try and work out exactly where or if, he was hit at all ! His second minor accident or the day was clearly not as messy as the first !

The game finished with Bath Buccs on the ascendency again, but the defence did a great job keeping a clean sheet. Mr M. Borough, like many school reports, got his early (last week), so I will summarise briefly: He has finished the term better than he started, and needs to maintain that minimum standard going into first game of the New Year if he is to stand any chance of winning against the current league leaders.

Marlborough News Online Man of the Match - Ollie Davies. Surging runs, excellent tackling, always reliable and a green card for good measure. Special mention to Mark Ramage and Will Hodge. To everyone else, you know you are special!