NEWLY-PROMOTED Marlborough celebrated their first match in GoCrea8 League Conference North with a 5-3 triumph over fellow promoted outfit Cardiff Uni A.

The game began in a positive way for the home side as they found space out on both flanks and were able to exploit these to create several excellent chances, none of which were taken.

The deadlock was broken against the run of play as Cardiff Uni scored from a short-corner routine but Marlborough were quick to respond with a short corner of their own, Rich Fynn’s pinpoint drag pass finding Charlie Hawley’s open stick for a well-worked deflection home.

Marlborough seized the advantage in the second half with Fynn tapping home but Cardiff restored parity from a short-corner routine.

Fynn netted his second of the game with a cunning short-corner drag in to the opposite corner and Marlborough were able to extend their lead further when young striker Alex Renwick went on a mazy run past several defenders before being cut down by the Cardiff keeper.

The penalty flick was coolly converted by Marlborough skipper Anil Sud and they pressed home with Hawley picking up his second goal of the game.

Hawley and defender Rich Holman then received yellow and green cards respectively and Cardiff added a third late on.

Chippenham started their bid to regain Conference North status with a 6-0 Central One triumph over City of Bath A.

Goals came from Luke Morris, Tim Elliott, while Mark Knight and Craig Killminster both scored twice for the victors.

Chippenham A drew 2-2 with Westbury & UB B in Central 2, while Marlborough’s second string suffered a thumping 9-0 defeat to South Glos.

In East Central One, Chippenham B opened up with a 6-1 triumph at Swindon B, Will Pritchett scoring four times and Aaron Gray and Joel Howells on target.

Chippenham C were held to a goalless draw by West Wilts C in East Central Two, with the D team losing 9-1 at Team Bath Buccs G, despite taking the lead through Neil Stewart.

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