WITHAM 6

MALDON 1

East League division 3SE

WITHAM Hockey Club men's first team bounced back from defeat by leaders east London seconds to keep their East League division three south east promotion bid on track with a big win against local rivals Maldon.

The hosts knew only a win would do and reverted to the formation that had brought them success.

From the start, they put Maldon under pressure and started winning short corners.

It was on the third short corner that Witham took the lead as Kevin Reeve fired in from five yards out.

Witham managed to score a second goal minutes later when captain Richard Marshall finished after good interplay from the home forwards and with their confidence up, they moved the ball around and stretched Maldon.

A third goal was scored before half-time after a lovely move from midfield ended with Archie Mountier walkin the ball over the line.

Maldon pushed Witham back at the beginning of the second half but the young defensive unit was up to the challenge, mainly due to their superior pace and they stayed firm to allow their team-mates to build through Dan Metcalfe and Brett Parker.

After another flowing move, Witham were awarded a penalty flick for a foul on man-of-the-match Matt Fish and Campbell converted.

Campbell added a second of the day midway through the second half and Witham were now in control although danger always lurked from the feet of Parker.

More good attacking play down Witham’s left side allowed O'Shea to feed Campbell for his hat-trick goal but Maldon had the last say after another kick from Parker allowed Maldon to deny Witham keeper Neal Hadgraft a clean sheet.

Witham now host third-placed Saffron Walden at home on Saturday.