HOCKEY: Swindon slump to third straight defeat (From Swindon Advertiser)

HOCKEY: Swindon slump to third straight defeat

6:00am Thursday 1st November 2012 in Sport By Ned Payne

UNDERSTRENGTH Swindon suffered their third defeat on the spin in the Premiership, losing 2-1 at Bath Buccs A.

The Wiltshire side were missing four first-team players, although they were bolstered by the return of Jonny Ashby, who was back following work commitments in Egypt.

Buccs took the lead midway through the first period and it was Ashby that levelled matters when he deflected the ball into the net from close range.

Inspired by their equaliser, Swindon pushed on and they nearly levelled soon after when Tom Gillingham’s shot bounced back off the post.

In the second period the visitors upped their work rate and the back four of Ben Tyres, Lewis Dyer, Tom Wickens and Tom Saunders were in miserly mood.

With time running out, it looked like Swindon would hold on for a draw, but to their dismay a Bath shot took a couple of deflections and found its way home.

There was still time for the away forwards to squander a couple of opportunities late on and Bath ultimately clung on to their lead.

Swindon are at home to University of Exeter B this weekend.

Meanwhile, North Wilts ended Chippenham A’s winning run and extended their own with a narrow 1-0 home win in East Central 1.

In a cagey affair, North Wilts might not have performed to their best but they still made it five wins out of five and maintained their spot at the top of the division.

The first half was closely contested and although the hosts shaded it, they failed to convert a string of chances following good ball retention.

Following the resumption, North Wilts continued to pile the pressure on the visitors and their perseverance paid off after winning a short corner.

The ball was played in by Colin Fisher, stopped by Jim Towers and despatched powerfully by Max Bartholomew.

Further good chances fell to Darren Hillier and Bartholomew, but neither were able to add to the tally.

That was how it stayed until the final whistle, with Chippenham ending the match having failed to secure a single short corner.

North Wilts travel to City of Bath A on Saturday.