A first-half goal by Richard Cartmell secured all three points for Stroud against Marlborough on Saturday and gave them their sixth win in a row in Division 2 East of the West Hockey League.

It was the only goal of the game and the victory cemented their position in second spot in the 12-strong division after overcoming a side who began the day in third.

And the win sets them up nicely for their trip to leaders City of Bath, who made it seven out of seven with a 4-0 success at Team Bath Buccaneers 4ths at the weekend.

“It was a hard-fought win against Marlborough, they gave us a good test,” said skipper Dan Clifford.

“It was a good finish by Richard Cartmell, he’s playing well.”

It was Cartmell’s fourth goal of the league campaign, a campaign which has seen Stroud score 28 times.

Oliver Clayton has scored seven and Callum King five, and Clifford continued: “The goals have been shared around, our strength is that we have a balanced squad.

“We’re picking from 17 or 18 players and they are all good enough to play. We jump from 4-4-2 to 3-4-3 depending on how a game is going, it’s working well.”

The experienced Liam Tunney, an England Masters over-50s player who plays left-back, has been a key man for Stroud this season, as has the long-serving Clifford.

Clifford has taken on the captaincy again although these days he plays in a deeper, defensive midfield role.

And it’s a role that is going to be very important on Saturday against City of Bath, who have scored 47 goals and conceded just three.

“They are a really good team,” said Clifford. “They knock the ball around and keep it for long periods.

“John Jackson is an Ireland international and James Kellock is a very talented drag-flicker.

“We need to limit the number of penalty corners, that’s a big weapon for them, but they score as many outfield goals as they do penalty corners.”

Stroud lost their opening game 5-4 at Newent but their recent run means they will be heading to Bath with plenty of confidence.

“It’s not an all-or-nothing game but we want to show them we are in this fight too,” added Clifford.

“It’s tough because only one team will be promoted but promotion is our aim. We’re good enough to play at a higher level, we’ve got to target the top spot.”