Great team win against West Wilts

It was a wet and windy start to the Ladies 1s third game of the season, playing West Wilts. We knew we could win this and after our loss the previous week we wanted the win even more. A strong team talk and warmup got everyone in the mood for a great game of hockey.
With the wind blowing all around us, the game began. Marlborough’s start was not the strongest, allowing West Wilts some opportunities to get close to goal but nothing came of it. After a few minutes, our heads were in the game and we held the possession, with the game predominantly being played in the West Wilts half of the pitch. Some smashing balls came through from fullbacks Emily Carter-Davies and Anna Scott but unfortunately seemed to always be just out of reach of the forward line.
Then the first goal finally came from a lovely piece of play from Emily Carter-Davies to Jess Davis who lured the keeper out and sneaking a pass round to Catherine Manley who tapped it in. 1-0. After this, even though the wind and rain battered, Marlborough’s spirits were highs and opportunities for goals kept coming, with our second and third goals arriving in quick succession. Goal number two came right from the back, a great team goal with a quick series of passes between Rachel Cox, Anna Scott and Amy Davidson who played a strong ball into the D for Catherine Manley to trap, spin and hit past the keeper into the goal. 2-0. Then the third goal came shortly after, well deserved by Bella Busby who with a perfectly timed sweep sent the ball flying into the back of the net. 3-0 and welcome back Bella!
We began the second half 3-0 up and with the halftime jelly babies snack providing us with some extra energy, we were hungry for more goals! Again, we had many opportunities that we couldn’t quite convert and West Wilts fought hard, steaming some chances at goal and a couple of short corners. Unfortunately, it was one of these shot corners that lead to their first goal. A strong straight strike slammed the bottom corner of the goal, leaving Issy Davies little opportunity to stop it. 3-1.
After scoring, West Wilts seemed to have newfound energy and kept fighting, but we fought back with Annabel Ashley, Beth Palfrey and Amy Davidson working hard on the wings to break through.
Eventually, a breakthrough opportunity presented itself and we utilised it with Kitty Cleaver, Rachel Cox and Jess Davis fighting their way through to get to a forward and reached Milly Dawson who used the opportunity to score. 4-1. Not long left now and the forwards, Tess Christmas, Milly Dawson, and Catherine Manley kept trying but nothing came. The final whistle blew and we had won 4-1!

Man of the match today deservedly went to Catherine Manley for 2 brilliant goals and consistent hard work throughout the game.