Some success against Salisbury 2

Heading away to play top-of-the-league Salisbury 2, we knew we had a tough game ahead of us, particularly given that we were missing a few key players. The team stepped out hard, knowing that we often play our best hockey against the strongest teams. Play moved up and down the pitch, but before long Salisbury scored the first goal. However, Marlborough struck back with an equaliser from Verity Langfield. The remainder of the first half was well matched with great breaks from both teams, but Salisbury scraped another 2 goals, finishing the first half 3-1.

Determined to maintain their pleasing performance, Marlborough started the second half well. Sophie Davies and Evie Williams were solid in defence, while older sister Tori Williams worked with inners Ciara Blackstock and Ness Pickford to generate opportunities through the middle. Again play was well matched and Marlborough held strong, but then a quick series of goals from Salisbury 2 left us floundering 7-1 down. However, the 2s were not to be overwhelmed and reinvigorated the attack. Halfs Holly Clemence and Becky Ford made runs up the sidelines, and all three forwards worked to get the ball in the D. After a few missed opportunities Verity scored a second goal thanks to a great run by Millie Prentice. The score was 10-2 as the 2s won a short corner and the final whistle blew. In a last team effort they managed to maintain possession and after a tense few moments scored, thanks to Tori. The game finished 10-3. Not the greatest scoreline but the team came away positive having put in a sound performance against a strong team.