Ladies Firsts in Seventh Heaven as ‘Daws’ Scores Four

After a slightly pedestrian start to 2017 the previous week, the Green Army were keen to open the return leg of their league campaign in style. We knew 3 points against league-strugglers Devizes was the only acceptable outcome, and after the pitch was given the ‘thumbs-up’, we were raring to go.
A well-drilled warm-up led by Coxy and team-talk from captain Penny got the team in the right mindset and we felt in control from the first whistle, demonstrating tempo and passion that Devizes were unable to match. Possession was relatively even in the first quarter, but territory very much in Marlborough’s favour, and after a penetrating attack down the right flank, Ness slotted the first home to break the 0-0 deadlock. Our resident terrier, Lottie , was up to her usual tricks, hunting down every Devizes loose ball and placing their defenders under real pressure. Her efforts were soon rewarded with a goal; a fitting way to send her off on her travels – good luck Lottie!
Marlborough started the second the half positively, attempting to improve our goal difference that could prove crucial in a tight league table. What followed was sensational; in what can only be described as a bombing raid, Milly then slotted away 4 goals (Yes – 4) in quick succession, ably fed by a supporting cast of Neve, Catherine and new-comer Alice. It didn’t all go our way, with Devizes testing our defensive line on occasions. However, Mother Duck (Scotty) and her 4 ducklings (Annabel, Amy, Beth and Tori) held firm and they rarely troubled keeper Moxy. Whilst her pads may not have been kept busy however, her vocal chords definitely were! The icing on a pretty successful cake was a final goal scored from a tight angle by Neve, with a significant ‘assist’ from the unfortunate Devizes keeper. Neve had been unlucky not to score a few minutes earlier from an impressive undercut, and this final goal seemed just reward.

Man-of-the-Match was shared between goal-demon Milly and centre-half Coxy, who deserves the final shout out for her fantastic work rate, tackling and ball distribution throughout the game. All in all, a very successful day at the office, setting us up for our meeting with top of the league Bournemouth next weekend.