Alliance, OH -- West Branch (6-1) and Marlington (7-0-1) entered the night as two of the Eastern Buckeye Conference's top teams and went to the break scoreless. The game stayed level until roughly 13 minutes remained, when a questionable call in the box gave Marlington a penalty kick, and the hosts converted for the only goal of the night.

West Branch could not find an equalizer over the closing minutes, and the Dukes held on for the win.

What's Next : There is little time to dwell on it. West Branch, now (6-2), returns home Saturday for another test against a strong Dover team. JV opens at 12 p.m. on the grass field, with varsity to follow at 1:15 p.m. on turf.