M1s secure back to back promotions with win at Marlow

Slough victorious in Tussle by the Thames

Slough Men’s 1s secured promotion, their second in as many season, back to South Premier Division 2 with a narrow 3-2 win over Marlow Men’s 1s. On a cold and snow ridden day, Slough traversed up the M4 to face a defiant Marlow team who themselves were looking for a win that would give them a good chance of second place in the league and, a possible promotion playoff position. Marlow started the game well, though against the run of play, capitalized early through an open play goal. Slough were determined not to let this affect their attacking style of play and continued to press the Marlow defense. However, it was Marlow who struck once again: this time from a penalty corner earned through some clever work by their forward in the Slough circle. Marlow were closing in on half-time with a two goal lead only for Slough to bounce back. Rai Singh reacting quickest to a penalty corner deflection slotting the ball neatly over the keeper. The first half finished 2-1 in Marlow's favour.

A stern half time talk from Slough Coach Ricky Juttla, saw the boys rally together in the second half looking to take the bull by the horns and secure promotion. What followed was an impressive display of controlled, patient and attacking hockey which gave Johannes Klöss a chance to score and level the game at two a piece. The rest of the half saw Slough dominate as they have done against most teams this season once again, chance after chance going begging. With ten minutes to go the game looked like it was heading for a draw until Slough finally got the break through. Klöss found the net again with 7 minutes remaining to record his second in the game: setting up a nervy finish and eventually sealing the victory for Slough.

Onwards and upwards for an impressive Slough Men’s 1s team who secured the league with three games to go and will be playing in the South Premier Division 2 league next year.

Hanji.

Report by Jas Sira, ed. LK.