Marlborough ladies storm up to 3rd

Magnificent team performance earns Marlborough 3 points.

The squad set off at the crack of dawn for an early push back away in Dorset. Having never met Gillingham before and teams being level on points in the league, the scene was set for a competitive match neither side wanted to lose.
The first 20 minutes not only saw Marlborough dominate possession but also their best hockey yet this season. Slick passing in Midfield, transfers across the pitch from the defence and an impenatrable press up front. A goal was only a matter of time.
An quick ball out of Marlboroughs defensive third from Centre Midfileder Rachel Cox to forward Catherine Manley suddenly opened up the field. Jess Davies made a perfectly timed run for Manley to swiftly move the ball on to. Despite a defender hot on her heels, Davies calmly took the ball into the D. A pass across the goal found Bella Busby poised and ready on the post and confidently tucked it past the keeper.
The second half continued much the same with Gillingham rarely testing the away side. A well organised back line courtesy of Anna Scott, a handful of competent saves by keeper Vicky Moxham and precision tackles by Emily Carter-Davies allowed the side to play with flare and confidence.
Half backs Amy Davidson and Beth Palfrey tirelessly worked the width of the pitch to ensure the team kept pushing forwards. Another opportunity arose when Cox dribbled the ball into the D past multiple opposition. A goal scoring opportunity and a foul from Gillingham resulted in a penalty flick, Marlboroughs opportunity to extend the lead and give some breathing space. Alas, narrowly wide but Marlborough maintained composure.
Marlboroughs foward line continued to thwat the oppositions attempts at clearing the ball thanks to agile reactions and hassling from Anna Strover and Tess Christmas.
Time was running out for Gillingham and so they stepped up the pressure. Midfileders Sophie Fynn and Alice Thompson broke up any potential attacks from the home team and redistributed the ball effortlessly. One such pass found Manley on the baseline, a short move into the D and a subtle pass under the shoulder to fellow attacker, Milly Dawson, perfectly positioned on the P spot. Dawsons shot only marginly saved by a Gillingham defender but Marlborough could celebrate regardless as Jess Davies was queuing up for rebounds and tucked the ball into the goal on the final whistle.
Two Nil, a just reward for such skilled hockey as quoted by one onlooker 'worthy of premier league standard'!
With every player putting in a top performace, player of the match votes were awarded to most of the squad. Defender, Emily Carter- Davies crept ahead of her teammates to secure the Marlborough News Online man of the match award for her reliable tackles, quality aerials and distribution round the back.
Marlborough move up to third in the league and eagerly await Bath Buccs next week.