Marlborough A 2 - 4 Bath Buccs E

This week's home game bizarrely proved more popular than Weston-s-mare away, so much so that a squad of 15 eager players were assembled to take on Bath Buccs E, who had yet to pick up a point this season. After the first 5 minutes it was clear, however, that things might not quite go to plan as Buccs belied their league position to dominate with slick passing through their strong centre midfield combination. Despite some hectic defence, Buccs rather inevitably took the lead, eventually stretching out a three goal advantage. Chances came and went at both ends with Marlborough beginning to find their feet in attack, with the evergreen pairing of Gareth Playfair and Dan Crossman showing off their skills. The closest chance to open our account in the first half fell after the breakdown of a short corner, with Keith Radnedge flicking the ball towards the net only to find Toby Sampson applying the deftest of late cuts just over the slip cordon.

The half time message was clear - put pressure on the ball carrier and up the level of intensity, and after a rather dodgy first 30 seconds, we began to string passes together and finally exert some pressure on the Buccs defence. A string of short corners finally provided the lifeline needed as Gareth Playfair ghosted on a right slip and netted inside the far post. 3-1: game on. Then came the sucker punch - as we pushed ever forward, a Buccs counterattack found the ball dribbling agonizingly across the goal to be tapped in from less than an inch at the far post. Marlborough continued to push forwards and the slightest of glimmers was again opened by a smart strike from Ed Watson at the top of the D, but ultimately Buccs ran out deserved winners on the day.

Marlborough probably created enough half chances to win the game, but sadly in this instance two halves do not make a whole.

Marlborough News Online Man of the Match was awarded to Charlie Ponder for his sterling work in both defence and counterattack.