Swindon Dolphin Hit Top Spot

Swindon Dolphin stormed to the top of Division four to continue a fine start in their first season in the National league.  They are the only undefeated team left in the division having played every other team in the league once.

The squad was at full strength for the first time this season which was to prove crucial in their first game against then league leaders Cambridge.

Swindon were determined to start well in this important fixture.  They employed a heavy press which worked like a dream for the first three minutes, opening up a three goal lead.  The side then lost concentration and Cambridge managed to pull themselves back into the match leaving the score at four each by the end of the first period.  Swindon battled on and at the start of the final period pulled back to three ahead.  To their credit, Cambridge fought back to level with 17 seconds left on the clock.   With one final opportunity, Swindon pit forward Steve Margetts took his chance and won the match with only four seconds left, his ninth goal of the match.  Other strikes came from Michael Trzeciak (3), Andy Hicks (2), Rob Toolen, Angelo Polymeris, Diogo Monteiro and Andy Margetts.

Swindon found the remaining two fixtures a lot more comfortable.  Although clearly fatigued following the tense encounter against Cambridge, the side beat Bedford by 25 goals to 13.  All the outfield players managed to hit the target; a first for the season.  Main contributions came from Steve Margetts (4), Rob Toolen (4), Andy Margetts (3), Michal Trzeciak (3), Matt James (2), James Bowden (2) , Angelo Polymeris (2), David Quinlivan, Andy Hicks, Ian Brewer, Daryl Pye and Diogo Monteiro.

The final fixture on Sunday was against a young raw Manchester side.  Swindon controlled the game from the off and were victorious by 26 goals to 18.  Goals scorers on this occasion were Rob Toolen (5), Andy Hicks (4), Steve Margetts (4), Andy Margetts (4), Angelo Polymeris (4), Matt James (3), Michal Trzeciak and Ian Brewer.

Coach David Quinlivan commented “I’m really proud of the team for the performances they put in.  I guess the only real disappointment is that we are not killing games off early enough when we have the opportunity.  We let Cambridge back in to the fixture two or three times after working really hard to open up a lead.  We really must ensure we take our opportunities and finish the games earlier.”

Swindon Dolphin now sit proudly at the top of National League division four, two points clear of Bristol University and six points clear of Cambridge.

The next fixture in two weeks time at Marlborough College against Bristol University is a crunch match.  The game is due to start at 12.15pm and all support would be welcome.  Other fixtures on the same weekend are against the RAF (4pm Saturday) and Newcastle (2pm Sunday).

Weekend Stats:  James Farror (3 Apps, 0 G, 0 M), David Quinlivan (3 Apps, 1 G, 3 M), Andy Margetts (3 App, 8 G, 4 M), Andy Hicks (3 Apps, 7 G, 3 M), Steve Margetts (3 App 17 G, 2 M), Darryl Pye (2 Apps, 1 G, 1 M), Angelo Polymeris (3 Apps, 7 G, 3 M), Ian Brewer (3 Apps, 2 G, 2 M), Matt James (3 Apps, 5 G, 1 M), Diogo Monteiro (3 Apps, 2 G, 4 M), Rob Toolen (3 Apps, 10 G, 1 M), Michal Trzeciak (3 Apps, 7 G, 2 M), James Bowden (3 Apps, 2 G, 3 M)