Promising start to the second half of the season

Result: Salisbury 3 Marlborough 0

Match report by Ness Pickford-Smith

Marlborough travelled to 3rd in the table Salisbury for the start of the second phase of league hockey after the Christmas break. Sitting at the bottom of the league we were acutely aware that we need points and fast and that this was going to be a demanding game to achieve that having lost 7/2 to Salisbury in September.

Marlborough Ladies started strong holding a high press and putting Salisbury under pressure which resulted in numerous shots on goal from Alice Fanshawe and Catherine Manley which were saved by the Salisbury goalkeeper. Marlborough kept their attacking spirit, with some great attacking sequences, executed by Penny Bowen Ness Pickford-Smith, Becky Marnane and Rachel Cox. Rosy Curling’s timed sprints outpaced the Salisbury defence leading to many passes across the goalmouth, which were narrowly missed by the Marlborough attack. It certainly wasn't through lack of trying that those goal attempts just were not going in. Salisbury were very quick on the counter attack and some excellent defending by Julie Fellows, Amy Davidson and Rachel Jackson and saves by Vicky Moxham led to a nil all result at half time. This was a very confident and positive start for Marlborough and we were playing the type of hockey we knew could win us games.

Marlborough started the 2nd half in the same fashion but unfortunately conceded a short corner fairly early on which Salisbury capitalised on, resulting in the score of 1 nil. Salisbury stepped up their game and Marlborough struggled to maintain their quality of play as they only had the bare 11 players and the tempo of the game was taking it toll. Marlborough’s defence were outnumbered by Salisbury’s forwards which led to a further 2 goals. Even at 3/0 down Marlborough kept their heads up and looked for any opportunity to attack but unfortunately it was just one of those games where attempts on goal just wouldn’t go in.

I would add that Salisbury provided us with the best away teas so far this season as per photo!!!

It was a fantastic team performance from Marlborough’s 1st XI in their 1st league match after the Christmas break with Rachel Jackson receiving a much deserved player of the match for her sterling work at centre half. Marlborough remain resolute in their league campaign and are already looking forward to their home match next week against local rivals Chippenham.