Tightly fought game for ladies 1s

After last weeks rain drenched game at Swanage Marlborough were very pleased to have a home fixture in the sunshine! This weeks visitors were local rivals West Wilts who were sitting 2nd in the league.

A strong start was required by Marlborough to exert great pressure on the opposition and get them on the back foot from the off and this is what the home side achieved. Marlborough's attacking formation paid off and with some great linking up between the forwards and midfield more and more pressure was put on West Wilts which resulted in a goal within the first 10 minutes, scored by Jess Pugh who skilfully outmanoeuvred the opposition in their goalmouth.

Unfortunately Marlborough's strangle hold on the game could not be maintained and the visitors started stringing together plays testing the home sides defence however great team work and tackling from Emily Carter-Davies, Beth Palfrey, Amy Davidson, Victoria Williams and Annabel Ashley kept these attacks at bay. Then two West Wilts goals in quick succession gave Marlborough a shock but spurred them into action. Marlborough were resilient and continued to work hard, mid field held the middle of the park and then connected with Lottie Colquhoun up front who skilfully moved the ball around the goalkeeper to put the ball in the back of the net. The game then opened up with the play bouncing back and forth from one goal mouth to the other. Once more West Wilts took the lead and once more Marlborough counter attacked and with intense pressure on the goalmouth Jess Pugh scored her second goal of the game. Then the whistle blew for half time.

After a motivating half time team talk by Sarah Kendall, Marlborough knew on paper that their squad could beat this team but they needed to modify their game plan to secure a victory. The second half was a very edgy affair with both sides evenly matched . Both sides attacked with great set plays both defences and goalkeepers held firm and the spectators were treated to some free flowing end to end hockey. Unfortunately for Marlborough West Wilts were awarded a short corner in the final 10 minutes which resulted in a goal. Despite their best efforts Marlborough just couldn't find the equaliser in the short time left. The closely fought game finished 4/3 to West Wilts.

Marlborough finish the 1st half of the league season 7th in the league with a great team spirit evident. The team are now looking forward to a well-deserved break for Christmas and then to improve their league position in the sevond half of the season.
Marlborough News Online man of the match was awarded to Sarah Kendall.