Marlborough 2’s go “Top of the League” after 4 wins in 8 days!

Would you believe it – we are “top of the league” – albeit by 1 point! Two weeks ago we were lying in 5th place – with 2 games in hand. Then following happened – 8 days, 4 matches, 4 wins, 22 players, 23 goals, 12 points wins, 2 losses for North Wilts and were are TOP ! Speaking of numbers and data, here is a little trivial question; “Which number is higher ?”, (A) The number of goals we scored or (B) The total minutes Mark Ramage was carded for in the game or (C) the numbers of players in the City of Bath squad !!? Find out later!

So our latest game was a re-arranged game away at City of Bath C. We gathered on a bitterly cold day in an empty car park on the outskirts of Bath buoyant after “The Good, the Bad and the Ugly” Win 7-5 against Swindon. (See yesterday’s report). We had a large and very strong squad gathered for today’s game and so too did City of Bath, judging by the large numbers warming up!!

So the game finally got underway and it was very evenly matched game for most of the first half. We soon realised that we had a tough game on our hands, and we were once again as vulnerable on the break, as we were to score ourselves.

1-0 down. City of Bath took the lead and the sense of déjà vu was palpable!

1-1 Toby Sampson scores after good build up play once again from Mark Kinder and Justin Metcalfe.

At this point much of the game got a bit hazy - green cards (Rob Hues & Mark Ramage!), yellow cards (Mark Ramage!), goals (below), arguing (you know who you are !), and a bit of irate finger wagging and above another 5 goals for Marlborough including a hat-trick from Toby Sampson.

2-1 Keith Radnedge scores with a straight strike from a well worked short corner.

City of Bath then missed two absolute sitters in quick succession. How they did not score is beyond belief, especially the guy who had an open goal from 6 yds, decided to flick it, rather than pass it into the net, and managed to scoop the ball high over the net. A lucky let off and a warning.

At this point Marlborough stepped up a gear and started to play some excellent hockey.

3-1 Mark Kinder scores a wonder goal with a reverse strike in open play. He drove into the D from the right, took a quick shot, which was well saved, he gathered the rebound and shot again, blocked again, and on the 3rd occasion he switched the ball onto his reverse stick, opened the angle and fired in a low powerful shot .

City of Bath still created lots of chances. Rich Newton made some excellent saves and Mark Salvidge saved two shots on the post at two separate short corners. We were still giving them chances.

4-1 Justin Metcalfe glances the ball passed the rushing keeper. Marlborough showed that they too can catch people on the break. Ed Watson won the ball in his own half and executed a long slide rule pass to Toby Sampson out on the left. Toby smashed the ball forward into the D where Justin glanced the ball with his first touch passed the rushing keeper. Great goal on the break and a killer blow to City of Bath .

5-1 Toby Sampson scores the best team goal of the season. The ball started on our 16 and must have passed between at least 7 players, without losing the ball, as it worked neatly and calmly between defenders, midfielders, attackers before Toby scored his second of the day. Best team goal of the season!

6-1 Toby Sampson scores his hat-trick on another break away as City of Bath kept trying to push forward.

6-1 Final Score. The final score makes the victory sound like a very one-sided game and easy - it was definitely not. It felt more like a scrappy, hard fought 2-1 win . But a win is a win and importantly it took us to the top of the league.

So to answer my earlier trivial question....Mark Ramage spent more time (carded) on the bench, than goals scored!

Marlborough News Online MAN OF THE MATCH – Toby Sampson for scoring his first hat-trick and his all round effort to the team.

MOMENT of the MATCH – Mark Ramage and Andy Davidson between them provided enough education (for the umpires and players) and entertainment (for everyone else) for one day!