First team frustrated to lose hockey game by the odd goal in 13 (From Wilts and Gloucestershire Standard)

First team frustrated to lose hockey game by the odd goal in 13

AFTER an emphatic hockey league win a week earlier, Total-sponsored Cirencester first team went down by the odd goal in 13 in Saturday's thrilling home league game against high-flying Bridgend.

Town began the slower of the two and, after going a goal down, were always chasing the game.

Although the home forwards were not firing on all cylinders, Cirencester's build-up and inter-play was still very good.

Charlie Paine had several chances, but did not convert any of them in the first half.

In fact, it was goals from Si Dicker and Paul Anstee that ensured a 2-2 score at half-time.

Half-time advice by stand-in captain Paul Anstee seemed to initially work as Cirencester played some of the best hockey all season after the break.

Unfortunately, none of their chances were converted and it was Bridgend who punished their opponents' defence to increased their lead by four.

Errors from midfield, defence and goalkeeping were crucial with Town frustrated as everything the visitors did seemed to pay off.

With ten minutes to go, the game looked dead and buried until great play down the left saw Phez and Holbrook carving the visitors in two.

This led to Paine and Dicker getting two short corners in quick succession which Paul Anstee converted.

The hosts were totally dominant and made their chances count. Fine attacking midfield play allowed Anstee to dribble through the Bridgend defence to convert his fourth and Cirencester's sixth.

With seconds to go, Town had another short corner. When this broke down, Bridgend put to-gether three quick passes to score and win 7-6. Total man of the match was Paul Anstee.