Event: Bristol and West Division One
Teams: Bristol Central v Swindon Dolphin
Venue: Bristol
Date: 19th May 2013
A goal just 8 seconds from time denied Swindon Dolphin a share of the spoils as they went down 7- 6 at Bristol Central II, the British champions’ second string. This was a big disappointment for the visitors who had pulled back a two goal deficit late in the game and leaves Dolphin with four points from the opening four league games of the season.
A tough and attritional first quarter set the tone for what was a tough and physical tussle throughout. In an opening period of few chances and in which both sides failed to capitalise of major fouls it was leading scorer Michal Trzeciak‘s goal that separated the sides at the first break. The second period was just as close, Central equalising early on before the teams traded late goals to be level at 2 – 2 at the half way point, Andy Strong notching the second Dolphin goal from a penalty.
Central came out fired up in the third quarter and slowly pulled clear of Dolphin as they scored three unanswered goals in the first 5 minutes of the period before Matt James reduced the arrears to two going in to the final quarter.
A good start to the final period saw Strong cut the deficit to one from a man up situation but Central responded immediately. Dolphin then began a great comeback. Ian Brewer reduced Central’s lead to one with a deft flick before. A superb drive by Strong set up an exciting finale. As the game entered its final 30 seconds both sides called timeouts to prolong the tension before Central took advantage of a man up situation to score the decisive goal.
Captain Andy Hicks felt a draw would have been a fair result. “The lads showed great fight to pull themselves back in to the game but that’s twice we have missed out in the last seconds of matches this season and we must learn from this to ensure it does not happen again.”
Dolphin’s next game is at Milton Road against Bristol Central II on Sunday 2nd June, stating at 8.30pm.
Result: Bristol Central II 7, Swindon Dolphin 6
Team: Andy Hicks, David Quinlivan, Chris Selby (1 major), WIll Smith, Andy Strong (3 goals, 1 major), Dan Dixon, Ian Brewer (1 goal, 1 major), Matt James (1 goal), Jack Plumb, Mark Lawlor, Michal Trzeciak (1 goal, 1 major), Fraser Durston
