Dolphin Win Second Pre-Season Friendly

Event: Pre Season Friendly

Teams: Bradford on Avon v Swindon Dolphin

Location: Bradford on Avon

Date: Thursday 7th February 2008

Swindon Dolphin pipped Bradford on Avon with a last minute strike as their build up to the start of the 2008 season continues. Travelling with a team that was made up of new squad members and a handful of first seven players, this was always going to be a tough fixture against a full strength Bradford side on their own patch.

Dolphin started reasonably well and managed to force the first exclusion of the match – however poor handling meant this opportunity was missed. Bradford soon forced their own exclusion and took the lead. This was followed up by another strike 30 seconds later. Dolphin recovered from this early set back and forced further exclusions, one of which resulted in a goal for Matt James. The quarter ended with Dolphin trailing by one.

In the second quarter Bradford scored at will on every attack, extending their lead to four goals. Swindon changed their defensive tactics and Michal Trzeciak netted twice for the visitors.

Dolphin were trailing by seven goals to three going in to the third period. There were two further strikes from Trzeciak, but a fifth goal by Bradford’s Robinson soon extended their lead to three.

During the last period Dolphin showed their metal. Trzeciak ensured the quarter started well with a strike from distance. Ian Brewer then passed to Mark Lawlor who slotted past the home keeper. With two minutes left it looked bleak for the Swindon side but Chris Selby had other ideas – a strong swim and pass set up James to score and level the match. Then with 30 seconds left Trzeciak stole the ball from a Bradford player and released James which he just managed to convert from a tight angle giving the travellers an unlikely victory.

Captain Andy Hicks said afterwards: ‘this game was a big test for our squad. It was by no means our strongest team but the new players will have gained a lot from competing under this type of pressure and getting another game under their belts.’

Result: Bradford on Avon 8 – 9 Swindon Dolphin

Team: I Brewer, G Coton (1 major), Chris Selby, Andy Hicks, Andy Prowse, Chris McConnell, Matt James (3 goals, 1 major), Pete Everett (1 major), Mark Lawlor (1 goal, 1 major), Michal Trzeciak (5 goals), M Lievers