Ladies draw in middle of the table clash

Grateful to play on their home pitch for the first time since November, this rematch against West Wilts was always going to be hard fought and Marlborough showed they meant business from the off.
They put the pressure straight onto the West Wilts defence with a number of passages of attacking play using both sides of the pitch well. The opposition’s few forays up the pitch were soon mopped up by Marlborough who were able to swing the moment around easily, with Anna Scott, Emily Carter-Davies , Annabel Ashley and Beth Palfrey looking confident and in control at the back. It was such a turnover of possession that lead to the opening goal from Marlborough with a well seen ball from Alice Fanshawe into the D for Tess Christmas to flick past the keeper.
With spirits high, Marlborough went back on the attack and it wasn’t long before their fired up attitude won them their second short corner of the game. A well drilled routine with a fantastic assist from Beth Palfrey ended with a tip in from Milly Dawson at the far post to put Marlborough two goals ahead.
The two teams continued to trade blows with both teams winning further short corners but being unable to convert despite coming close. Alice Fanshawe and Jess Davis in midfield were linking up well with the forward line to threaten the West Wilts keeper and a number of opportunities just missed their mark. Towards the closing stages of the first half a mistaken short corner call in West Wilts’ favour lead to some confusion within the Marlborough defence as the decision was overturned and the opposition used this opportunity to put away their first goal, much to Marlborough’s frustration.
The home showed determination and attack as the match restarted, turning over West Wilts’ possession almost instantly. Beth Palfrey and Annabel Ashley were using their advantage of stealth and speed to overload the D in Marlboroughs favour however West Wilts were gaining confidence and determination in their attacking play. With Marlborough allowing themselves to become stretched the opposition were beginning to weave their way through to their attacking D and shots were beginning to arrive on target. Vicky Moxham in goal had to make a few key saves and our back four, now including Amy Davidson were under pressure. With West Wilts’ hunger palpable they eventually slipped the ball under Vicky Moxham and Emily Carter-Davies , on the line, had no time to see or react as the ball rolled past into the goal
With the score now level at two all both teams continued to battle but it was Marlborough who were creating more opportunities with shots whisperingly close to the posts and being saved on the line. A last shot from Milly Dawson bounced off the inside of the post and the final whistle blew as the teams found that once again they could not break the draw deadlock against each other.
A special mention must go to the junior players who showed particular fire and determination this week including Jess Davis who was deservedly voted Marlborough News Online player of the match.