Town hockey players delighted by a Dillon double (From Wilts and Gloucestershire Standard)

Town hockey players delighted by a Dillon double

TWO goals from Paul Dillon in the last ten minutes capped a fine performance as Cirencester made a winning start to 2003 in this hard fought friendly.

Town started well and, with the midfield of Hall, Harvey, Keating and Dillon finding ample space, it was the opposing defence that were on the back foot.

Wave upon wave of attacks rained down on the home side's backline, but it required the delicate touch of defender Tom Burns to find the net for Town's opening goal.

His surging run through the heart of the Chippenham defence saw him faced with only the goalkeeper to beat and, with the most delicate of flicks, he found the back of the net.

The visitors were dominating on all fronts and, with intimidating runs from both Dillon and Keating, the forwards were getting plenty of service.

However, as has happened all too often this season, the front line has struggled to hit the target.

This time, it was left to veteran Town captain Dave Hall to provide the ammunition.

His first shot on goal went off the side of the pitch but, moments later and from a similar position, he slotted a powerful shot past Chippenham keeper.

Nonetheless, the second half saw Cirencester take their foot of the gas, although they were troubled little in defence.

In fact, the defence of Foster, Atkinson, Burns and Craven were only kept awake by constant encouragement from their keeper.

Cirencester added a third well worked goal mid-way through the half.

Excellent interplay between Foster and Dillon on the right flank finished with the former crossing to an unmarked Keating who shot high into the net.

After this, proceedings turned sour following shocking tackles from the home side who also disagreed with a number of umpiring decisions With tempers flaring, both Craven and Harris had to be restrained by Town's Hall.

As the game came to a close, it was time for Dillon to make his mark on the score-sheet with two well taken goals.

The first saw him convert a cross from Ridley with a thundering first time shot from an acute angle.

For his second, he converted from another Ridley cross into the bottom right-hand corner for Town to run out 5-0 victors.

Cirencester man of the match went to Nick Ridley for his newly found aggression and exemplary work-rate.