A second half onslaught from Leominster left Wotton with no response, despite going 1-0 up in the first half.

The capitulation in the second period was all the more disappointing given Wotton’s determined first half effort in which they more than matched a much improved Leominster side.

Mike Froggatt looked to have given Wotton a deserved lead, picking up the ball and rounding the advancing keeper to slot home, but the unsighted umpire could not confirm that the ball had crossed the line. Nevertheless, Wotton scored from the resulting penalty corner with Stuart Emms deflecting the ball in at the near post.

Leominster upped their game in the second half and Wotton’s young side couldn’t match their work rate or physicality. Again, Wotton were punished for not retaining possession and their forward movements began to look predictable. Two Leominster penalty corners later, and the game was slipping away.

There were bright spots for Wotton. Matt Tait worked tirelessly in midfield and Jeremy Hull made several notable saves in goal.

Centre back partners Emms and Ed Sonnex shared the man of the match award.

Davis Wood Hockey League Severn Division Wotton-under-Edge 5 Cardiff & UWIC IV 1

Wotton kept up the pressure on the top two teams with this comprehensive win over Cardiff Uni 4ths.

A brace each from Andy Stockley and James Cruickshank were complimented by a Tim Journeaux goal to keep Wotton firmly in the promotion mix in what looks to be a very tight and hard fought division.