Marlborough vs Leominster
Marlborough lose 4-1
Looking to galvanise their season, Marlborough went to Leominster having decided on several tactical changes.
Arriving at Leominster it appeared the game might not be able to start on time because of an earlier rain storm – highlighted by several staff members from the adjoining leisure centre sweeping surface water off the pitch.
Bizarrely the game was called forward as there were fears further rain would mean a complete cancellation. After a somewhat hurried warm-up both sides took to the pitch.
Marlborough started fantastically well and were putting the home side under immense pressure with slick passing and sharp, incisive forays forward.
With this standard of play, Marlborough deservedly took the lead after Anil Sud found the bottom corner following a short corner routine. The half ended 1-0 with Marlborough dominant and looking confident of their first league win of the season.
From the start of the second half it was clear Leominster had re-formulated their game plan. They pressed incredibly hard when Marlborough had the ball.
This led to Marlborough’s play becoming disjointed and frenetic – in turn rewarding their opponents with sustained periods of pressure.
The balance of the game turned when captain and main-stay striker Richard Holman chased down a pass and dived to keep the ball in play. The resulting collision between man and earth left only one winner with Holman, bruised and bloodied, having to leave the pitch for paramedic attention.
From this point forward Leominster simply ran riot in all areas of the pitch and within the space of a few minutes found themselves not only level but ahead by two goals to one.
Marlborough were unable to launch any meaningful attacks of their own and after conceding a goal from a short corner and another later on in the game the result was sealed as a 4-1 win for Leominster. Marlborough went home with plenty to reflect and work during the coming week.