The Cranstone Show

The match started with Marlborough fielding 11 outfield players while they awaited the arrival of the keeper. However the extra man paid off, the game plan was simple; keep Yate out of the defensive D and hit them on the counter attack. Two goals came in quick succession courtesy of Luke Cranstone flying down the left wing, netting once himself and then assisting Mark Banham who knocked home with a deft touch.

There was palpable relief when the Marlborough keeper arrived after 10 minutes; allowing a change to a traditional 4-4-2 formation. Marlborough’s dominance continued, getting a 3rd, and Luke’s 2nd, soon after. The score line should have remained 0-3 at half time; however a contestable goal from a short made it 1-3. A discussion with the umpires from an unusually apoplectic Alex Blair prompted the Marlborough team to be given a final warning about talking back.

Yate applied the pressure early in the 2nd period making it 2-3, Marlborough rose to the challenge and didn’t let their heads drop. Tom Spence was instrumental in breaking down the Yate attacks providing a solid foundation to push on and score another three goals before full time. Another two from Luke prompted Cranstone Snr to get on the score sheet and prevent embarrassment.

Overall a commanding performance from the whole team sees Marlborough go level on points with the hosts.