Hockey set back for Cirencester (From Wilts and Gloucestershire Standard)

Hockey set back for Cirencester

Cirencester Hockey Club 0, Cardiff University 4

MITSUBISHI-sponsored Cirencester kicked off the second half of their first season in Gerrard Premier Three with a home tie against high-flying Cardiff University.

Cirencester started brightly, moving the ball well between defence and midfield. Two well-worked short corners saw Cirencester come close to taking the lead but the final strike failed to hit the target.

Cardiff often came close during the first 20 minutes.

Only Webb's agility in Cirencester's goal and great bit of defending by centre-back, Andy McGrath, kept the game scoreless.

McGrath's good work came undone when he tackled with the back of his stick in the D.

The resulting flick, while not being of the best quality, was enough to beat Webb.

Cirencester player coach, Paul Anstee, received a yellow card for a horrendous rugby-style tackle borne of frustration after several perceived umpiring errors.

Cardiff made the extra man tell.

Good passing moves saw them go into the break 2-0 up.

The second half was the same.

Cirencester pressed forward without troubling the Cardiff keeper.

Cardiff, on the other hand, created numerous chances, the majority of which were thwarted by Webb.

On two occasions, however, Cardiff managed to find the back of the net to make the final score 4-0 in their favour.

With three matches over the coming two weekends, Cirencester must pick themselves up if they are to survive at this level.

Webb was Total Employment man of the match.