Dolphin Fight to no Avail

Swindon Dolphin’s Bristol & West league campaign came to an end on Sunday with defeat to league leaders Cheltenham II. The team performed and battled gallantly against the strong visitors but to no avail.

Swindon started the fixture well and battled with their West Country rivals. The game was very much end to end, but with both goal keepers in fine form it was a while before the deadlock was broken by the visitors. Dolphin came back strong and finished the first period trailing by one goal.

The second and third periods of the match followed the pattern of the first. Both teams certainly could have done much better in front of goal, but the lack of scoring was down to the excellent defence from both sides. At the end of the third quarter Swindon were trailing by three.

The home team were unfortunately unable to rally in the final quarter and fitness won the day for the visitors as they took the final period by three goals giving victory by eleven goals to five.

Goals on the day came from Michal Trzeciak (2), Diogo Monteiro, Ian Brewer and Andy Hicks.

Coach David Quinlivan said after the match “We always knew this was going to be a very tough match. We started well and I have to say I thought the defence was awesome. It was just a shame the shooting was not as good as normal. Still I am proud of the way the lads performed and hope we can carry this forward for the future.”

With the Bristol & West season now completed the team now set their sights on their first season in Division 3 of the National League. The team are currently setting up friendlies in readiness for this campaign.

Result:   Swindon Dolphin 5 – 11 Cheltenham II

Team:  Andy Watts (1 major), David Quinlivan (3 majors), Andy Hicks (1 goal), Andy Prowse, Alex Green (1 major), Andy Snowball, Ian Brewer (1 goal), Matt James (1 major), Diogo Monteiro (1 goal), Mark Lawlor, Michal Trzeciak (2 goals), James Godden.