Already 3 games into the season the Burnt Ash 1XI traveled to a struggling Marden a side who had yet to pick up any points in the 3 games they had played. With coach Browne on the side line and with the return of a couple of players Burnt Ash were nearly at full strength for the first time this season and it showed with in the first 20 minutes as Burnt Ash harassed the Marden defence and forced the home side into mistakes this pressure eventually lead to a Liam Farmer goal from a well worked short corner. Marden then pushed for the last 10 minutes of the half and some good defending from Alan Slater,Jamie Wilson and Iain Brine meant the score stayed the same at half time.

After a stern talking to from coach Browne about the last 10 minutes of the first half where Burnt Ash had let the home side come on to them, Burnt Ash came out for the second half all guns blazing. John Grey with some crucial interceptions and with great pressing from the back line all the way through to the forwards Burnt Ash started to play free flowing hockey. A free hit just outside the D was taken quickly by captain Dominic Flannery to which he moved the ball into the D and on his reverse placed the ball in the bottom left of the Marden goal, 2-0 to the Ash and more was to come. Another attack which had seen all 11 players of Burnt Ash involved after Richard Stevenson had saved the only shot of Mardens in the second half with a fine right foot save lead to Chris Waight scoring at the other end after some great passing from the away side. The game was already wrapped up but another good passing drill lead to a Rob Cluett goal and the game finished with Burnt Ash still trying to score to the very end.

After a few changes to the back line and midfield Burnt Ash showed great character and patience to win at Marden playing the best hockey of the season so far.

Next week Burnt Ash host Maidstone at Hurstmere with the league being so close this is a must win even this early into the season.

M.o.M: Jamie Wilson
D.o.t.D: Dominic Flannery