The Marches 1

Wotton-under-Edge (B) 2 Newent A 2

WOTTON-under-Edge B third team started the game a man down, but a re-shuffle in the formation allowed Wotton to absorb the early pressure from a young Newent side.

And despite their early momentum, Wotton scored first.

A breakaway run from Luke Messer caught the Newent midfield and defence napping, and good movement from James Cox gave him the chance to slap the ball emphatically past the keeper.

Despite the full 11 on the pitch by the first quarter, and the solid work in defence from Jonathan Glover, captain Ben Eames, Stuart Saunderson and Kieran Latimer, Newent grabbed a goal before half time to equalise.

The second half followed in the same fashion as the first, with end- to-end hockey.

Good performances on the wings from Jacob Symanowski and Jacob Philips gave control and often drew fouls from the full backs with some composed stick work.

It was Wotton once again that took the lead with another counter attack, this time through player-of-the match Pat Carr.

His mazy run took him past several defenders to calmly slot the ball past the on-rushing keeper. Multiple good saves from keeper Ben Gough kept Wotton in front, until Newent again drew level two minutes from time through a strong strike from a short corner.

Overall, it was a good performance from the Wotton-under-Edge third team with the bare 11, and, as a result, they managed to secure a much deserved point from the match.

Wotton-under-Edge are now sixth in the Marches 1 league table with three wins from their ten matches and now home to Cheltenham C this weekend which will be the last game before the New Year.

The side return after this weekend’s match on January 14 when they play Leominster A at home.