THREE points were picked up by Warwick as they earned a 4-3 Midlands League Division One win at local rivals Warwick Uni on Saturday.
The win ensured Warwick cemented fifth position in the league after early dominance proved vital in winning their latest fixture.
A drag-flick from Ollie Hobbs earned the visitors an early lead, though Warwick University quickly tightened their defensive unit as the game evened out for the remainder of the first half.
The University side’s improved structure forced Warwick into making a defensive error which led to a penalty corner – which was successfully converted to bring both teams level.
Warwick were the better team at the start of the second half and they were quickly ahead again after Hobbs slotted home his second of the game.
Despite being in control of the game, Warwick were pegged back once more as University took advantage of a counter attack.
Warwick’s resilience paid off once more as they led for the third time – though University proved to be a side which failed to bow down to Warwick’s offensive pressure as they tied the game at 3-3 shortly before time.
With the University side down the 10-men though after keeper Hobbs was sin-binned for a tackle just outside the D, Warwick pounced on the man advantage and secured a crucial fourth goal with 30 seconds remaining – which proved to be the winning one.
Elsewhere the Mens 3rd team lost 3-2 to Northampton Saints as the team currently occupying bottom spot in the league shocked the home team with a late strike.
Keeper Michael Howard could do nothing about a late shot as a weakened Warwick team headed into the Christmas break lying 3rd in the league table.
James Allison’s man of the match performance earned the fourth team a 2-2 draw while the Womens 3rd team won their tie against Leamington Ladies 3rd by four goals to three.
