Back home and back on point!
Marlborough 1 - Cheltenham (2) 1
In contrast to last weeks match played in a monsoon, Marlborough had lovely crisp weather for the game against Cheltenham 2s. The game started crisply too, with both sides coming out hard to try and get the early advantage. Marlborough were disciplined with their structure and had some good play to challenge the opposition, who sit a few places higher in the league table. Responding to this pressure, Cheltenham launched a counter attack, bringing in their back line to overload the Marlborough defence and they scored to make it 1-0.
Marlborough continued to play well, competing strongly and frustrating the opposition. Frustration boiled over and the Cheltenham centre back picked up the first yellow card of the game. With some great attacking play up the right, Marlborough created an opportunity for Alex Crosby-Jones to use her 3D skills and flick home the equaliser. Marlborough had another close chance from some excellent right-sided hockey, with Catherine Manley getting into great space, but weren't able to convert.
After the break, both sides continued to battle it out and a very vocal, frustrated Cheltenham couldn't find a way through. A well-won short corner for Marlborough caused back-chat from Cheltenham so the centre back received her second yellow card, and the goalkeeper a green card, upgraded to a yellow. Confusion about kicking backs and captains going off paused the game for a few minutes but Marlborough couldn't capitalise from the corner. With Cheltenham down to 9, Marlborough had more space to play but couldn't score again.
Marlborough endured a few tense moments with more cautions, sharp whistles and three Cheltenham short corners, but some brilliant defending and spectacular diving saves from Vicky Moxham meant the game ended in a draw. Marlborough were proud of their gutsy performance, but also to maintain their composure in a difficult game and avoid any cards.
The Marlborough News Online Man of the Match was Vicky Moxham for her incredible saves that kept Marlborough level pegging.