Last-gasp win for NDHC at Marjon

North Devon Hockey Club made it back-to-back wins this week, as they enjoy a rich vein of form in the run up to the Christmas break.

Despite some muzzy heads after a long trip to Plymouth Marjon, North Devon started the stronger, but were unable to capitalise on their pressure for much of the first half and fell behind to a scrappy penalty corner.

North Devon continued to apply the pressure and were rewarded with a goal from Ashley Thorne, from a well worked penalty corner of their own.

The second half started much like the first, with North Devon pushing forward, and taking the lead via a deft finish from Philip Brand, ghosting in at the back post, after some intricate interplay from Thorne and Kirkness.

But the elation was short-lived; Marjon were quickly back on level terms via a deflected shot past Wormington.

With seconds to go in the game, Marjon had the chance to take all the spoils, but failed to convert their penalty corner. Striker Guy Cockcroft, on defensive duties for the penalty corner, picked the pocket of the Marjons midfield and sent a perfectly weighted through-ball to Joe Taylor-Richards, who won a penalty corner for the away team.

With the final whistle gone, it was to be the last play of the game. North Devon packed the D, hellbent on taking the win and, after a saved shot from Ben Andrews, a goal-line save from Marjon and a large dose of chaos in front of goal, Kirkness managed to squeeze in the winning goal past the dejected Marjon ‘keeper, allowing North Devon to return home battle weary, but three points better off.