3 points for the ladies and its game on!

match report by Rachel Jackson

The game versus Cheltenham was always going to be a crucial fixture for Marlborough. Going into the fixture sitting at the bottom of the table, the game provided Marlborough with the opportunity for an important three points. After a strong performance against Redland the previous week, all were enthusiastic to convert this into a win.

The start of the game was slightly delayed, whilst the teams eagerly awaited the return of Julie Fellows from her last minute dash to the toilet, making a spectacular return run across the pitch whilst de-layering at the same time, and introducing the youthful Cheltenham opposition to her new “Deep Heat” perfume. The game started with a very high intensity, with Cheltenham securing possession in the Marlborough half and getting some strong shots off towards the Marlborough goal. The centre-back partnership of Ness Pickford and Julie Fellows, combined with Vicky Moxham in goal, were resilient at keeping the Cheltenham attack at bay. Special mention should also go to Philippa Brown and Beth Palfrey for their half-back performances throughout the game, with both providing excellent outletting and robust defensive performances.

It didn’t take long for the Marlborough team to find their rhythm with some impressive skills and fantastic jump backs from the midfielders Rachel Cox, Rachel Jackson, Penny Bowen, and player of the match Sophie Fynn. Following a pacey transfer around the defence, an accurate pass was put through from the midfield to forward Rosie Curling who took the ball to the space on the baseline and executed a fantastic shot at goal from a narrow angle which hit the sideboard with great delight from all in Green.There was some end to end hockey played between the goal and half time, with both teams securing short corners, but neither able to convert the piece into a goal.

At half-time, the score was 1-0 to Marlborough. The second half was much of the same, with attacking free-flowing hockey from both sides. Marlborough’s revised press at half time clearly played dividends, with forwards Catherine Manley, Becki Marnane, Heather Barnes, and Millie Dawson’s intensity offering an excellent platform and opportunities for Marlborough to counter. Despite more pressure and some goal mouth action predominately from the home team, Marlborough were not able to secure that cushioning second goal and the final score remained 1-0.

A crucial three points for the #girlsingreen who have a very important week ahead with six points on offer. On Thursday the team travel to 2nd in the table Swindon for the local derby which was postponed in February. On the back of this weeks performance confidence is high that there are points to be earned. Then next Saturday sees City of Bath, who are only 2 places and 3 points above Marlborough in the league table, travelling to Marlborough. This will be a crunch game for both sides seeking to escape relegation.

Marlborough News Online player of the game was Sophie Fynn for her tireless play in attack.