Devizes Hockey Club

The Marauding Moonrakers - Sponsored by Wadworth

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Taunton Vale v. Devizes Mens Firsts

Saturday February 06 2010

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Taunton Vale 2 - 3 Devizes

Wadworth 6X sponsored Devizes first team this week travelled to Somerset to face an improving Taunton Vale side. Prior to the game, Vale were a point ahead in the table in fourth although Devizes have a game in hand. This was a very important fixture for Devizes with Cheltenham's form at the top deteriorating in recent weeks, it could see the Wiltshire side close the gap and start to mount a realistic challenge with the league leaders.

The game started at a great pace with the home side looking dangerous on the attack. Within the first ten minutes Devizes were left on the back foot, following a quick counter attack that resulted in Taunton taking the lead through a well-executed short corner drag flick.

Devizes response was impressive as they immediately picked themselves up and started playing the free flowing precise hockey they are known for. With simple transfers around the pitch, Taunton struggled to win the ball and soon became frustrated. This resulted in a short corner for Devizes after some rash defending. Up stepped big gun ‘no mess' Mcquillan to thrash the ball just inside the right hand post leaving the keeper with no chance.

Devizes went into half time with the scores even, thinking they should be in front after creating several chances in the half. It was Vale who again came out of the blocks the stronger team, but to Devizes credit, the tight defending and solid team work all around the park started to frustrate Taunton. It was clear they were struggling to find a way through and as the half progressed this lead to too much dribbling, and simple mistakes from the home side. This gave Devizes an opportunity to capitalise and start to build up some lengthy periods of possession.

Devizes made the break through ten minutes into the half. After several calm transfers across the back and intelligent movement in midfield, the ball was worked up the park before finding its way to the in form prolific goal scorer Roger Edwards who made no mistake in firing a pin point shot into the far corner.

Things were looking good for Devizes and they were playing with a fluidity that has been clearly missing in the previous two games. With about fifteen minutes left on the clock another well-worked attractive move was to result in Devizes third goal. A great lead from front man Ollie Smith saw him pick the ball up on the baseline to the right of D before skilfully driving towards the keeper and beating him at the near post.

Devizes seemed to lose their flare and concentration in the last ten minutes, and let Vale back into the game following some sloppy play in the centre of midfield. To Taunton's credit they picked up the loose ball very quickly and drove at pace towards the D. With Devizes out numbered from the counter there was little the defence or keeper could do to prevent Vale form pulling a goal back. The last five minutes were to be very frantic and nervy for the visitors. Taunton were throwing everything they had at Devizes but the defensive strengths of Devizes were to be rewarded when the final whistle eventually went.

This was a very satisfying result and now leaves Devizes in a very healthy fourth position in the league, just 4 points behind leaders Cheltenham and a promotion place.

This weeks Wadworth sponsored 6X man of the match goes to Russ Mcquillan for a solid mature performance in the heart of the Devizes defence.