A frustrating game of hockey

We arrived in Bath full of optimism and hope knowing that a bottom of the table clash was going to be a crucial '6 point' game. We had been building with promising performances and tight games throughout the season so far and a win was surely within reach today.
The game began evenly with plenty of space to play the ball particularly up the wings. The very physical Bath side had a number of key players who always looked dangerous with the ball but so long as we kept them out of the D we were safe.
Mid way through the first half we unfortunately allowed them a glimpse of goal which they quickly capitalised on. 1-0 to Bath.
Marlborough quickly rallied and a fantastic passage of short passes between Amy Davidson, Rachel Cox and Lottie Colquhoun led to a shot by Becky Marnane and Catherine Manley was on hand to shoot the ball into the goal. 1-1 Game on!
Unfortunately we were unable to use the momentum in our favour and even after some very valiant defending Bath again got back into the danger area and another very well struck ball led to us being 2-1 down at half time.
A renewed and energised Marlborough began the second half and we seemed to take control of the game. Some lovely plays from Beth Palfrey on the left and Amy Davidson on the right meant we were able to stretch the game. With most of the game being played in their half we were putting Bath under a lot of pressure. Lottie Colquhoun always looked dangerous with the ball and it was one of her incredible drives to goal which was passed to Alice Fanshaw who picked out Rachel Cox on the backline who placed the ball at a ridiculously acute angle into the back of the net 2-2 .We could do this ....even with coach Pete Crook and vocal supporter Simon Horwood silenced by the umpires.
What happened next was 15 minutes of the most frustrating hockey we had ever played. An avalanche of short corners against us put us under a phenomenal amount of pressure. The defence worked tirelessly to clear our lines time and time again but it seemed all we needed to do was put in a stick tackle anywhere in our 22 for Bath to be awarded yet another short corner. Inevitably under all that pressure we eventually conceded a goal to put Bath back in control with less than 10 minutes to play.
Despite a valiant effort from the team who all showed guts, determination and the desire to play fairly, we were deprived of some points again.
Maybe next week?

Marlborough News Online's Player of the Match was Rachel Cox for an amazing goal and some great work up front.