The Marches 2 League

Wotton-under-Edge 3rds 5 Winchcombe 1

WOTTON-under-Edge thirds ripped Winchcombe apart with some of their best hockey of the season to keep their place at the top of the table.

It was a brilliant performance from the third team as they notched five goals and dominated the game throughout.

Chris Barton continued his rich goalscoring vein with a brace including a sweet deflection off Ollie White’s shot after starting the move on the edge of the 23.

That put Wotton well ahead and when captain Benjy Wells and Sam Butter combined to give Rich Watts the chance to finish a perfect team goal there was no way back for Winchcombe.

Wotton showed their intent to play a high tempo in the first 10 minutes and with man-of-the match Ollie White they went 2-0 up in the first half.

First, Wells controlled Callum Niddrie’s short corner and Dave Holt finished off with a slap.

And it was the dancing Holt who repaid the assist when he skipped past his marker to create the opportunity for Niddrie.

Bruce Dunham had a goal disallowed after smashing the ball in from just outside the D, but it was small respite for Winchcombe.

Barton made it 3-0 when he pounced after Watts’ deflected shot, following White’s approach work and, as the rain swept sideways over the Edge, there was plenty for the hardy parents and supporters to cheer.