A tight game, decided by Set Pieces.

Marlborough B returned to Warminster full of confidence following their handsome win on this pitch late in November when they faced the struggling West Wilts C.

With just one place and 3 points separating West Wilts B and Marlborough before kick off this was certain to be a tight fixture.

West Wilts had the push back but failed to take advantage and gave the ball away cheaply in the midfield; a quick break down the left side gave the away team a very early chance which was put wide. Unfortunately that was the only significant opening for the next 10 minutes, after that the home team were starting to get a foothold in the game, putting pressure on the Marlborough defence with some smart play. The experience of Angus Harley along with stand in defender Wayne Cranstone were up to the challenge. Despite the resolute defending the pressure resulted in a flick being awarded during some close defending; Marlborough adjudged to have illegally stoped the ball from crossing the line. Goalkeeper Herbert Pickford couldn’t prevent the home team taking the lead.

The half time interval was welcome to the away team, wise words from the older hands gave reassurance that Marlborough were well and truly in the game. Minor personnel changes and a ticking off from the umpires to both teams and the match was underway again.

Marlboroughs youthful lineup pushed West Wilts back in the second half; Oliver Markham and Tom Patterson providing movement upfront. The pressure started to create opportunities and a good upgrade to a short corner from Leo Ring led to the away teams first goal, scored by Dan Crossman. Marlborough were now in the ascendancy and another short corner was duly driven home, again by Dan Crossman.

West Wilts weren’t going down without a fight and created several more chances, however, a confident second half display by Josh Franklin at left half meant that several attacks down the right side were quickly snuffed out.

An all round solid performance from a much changed lineup.