Off the mark!

Marlborough Ladies 1st XI v Chippenham 1st XI . Result: Drew 3-3.

After two very tough games Marlborough travelled to Chippenham looking for their first league win and were in a positive mood.

Marlborough started the game strongly with a high press, which paid off within 5 minutes of the start, with a solo run by Penny Bowen driving into the D and firing the ball into the back of the Chippenham net. Marlborough continued to apply the pressure but Chippenham were quick on the counter attack and the Marlborough defence had to work hard to thwart their efforts Sarah Kendall taking a very nasty knock to her ankle in the process. Unfortunately it was just one attack too many and Chippenham's pressure finally paid off 1-1. Marlborough’s attacking prowess continued with excellent work rate from Rachel Cox, Ness Pickford-Smith and Penny Bowen to breakdown the play in midfield keeping the ball pre-dominantly in the oppositions half. Marlborough were rewarded with a well-executed goal by Lottie Colquhoun, who reverse flicked the ball at an acute angle into the top of the net and a goal from Becki Marnane, who skilfully outmanoeuvred the goalkeeper , resulting in a 3-1 lead at half time.

Chippenham stepped up the pressure in the second half and Marlborough worked hard to stop them. Lottie Colquhoun made some excellent runs tearing through the Chippenham midfield but despite some excellent efforts from the forwards Marlborough were unable to add to their score. Chippenham were always dangerous on the counter attack flooding the Marlborough goal with players and they finally pulled one back with a skilfully well placed shot shielded from the defence and diving goalkeeper. Sensing a draw was possible Chippenham cranked up the pressure but the defence held firm even after a succession of short corners. Amy Davidson and Beth Palfrey the junior members of the defence worked hard and had to face their first ever senior game short corners and helped make some excellent clearances. Finally Chippenham blasted a short corner straight into the Marlborough defence the ball taking a nasty deflection into the goal. 3-3. Marlborough went straight out on the attack but to no avail and the game finished 3-3.

A great performance was displayed by all the squad and the team are looking forward to the return fixture later in the season. Next week its back home to Marlborough to face Swindon.

Marlborough News Online's man of the match was Lottie Colquhoun for her tireless runs and amazing goal.