Hockey: hail & frustration – with many chances Marlborough ladies rue those elusive goals

Marlborough      0          Salisbury        2

Marlborough felt very optimistic going into this week’s game following on from their confident win in their last match.

From the first whistle Marlborough piled on the pressure with early attacking play from Alice Fanshaw, Milly Dawson, Alice Thompson and Catherine Manley. The ball remained in the home team’s attacking third for most of the first half thanks to Marlborough’s superior press organised from the back by Rachel Cox and Anna Scott.  

Despite all this Marlborough were repeatedly denied a goal by the experienced Salisbury keeper who skillfully managed to save a great number and variety of attempts on her goal.

Salisbury were always waiting to pounce and were very quick on the break when the opportunity arose. The Marlborough defence were made to work hard to catch the breaks and the few opportunities Salisbury had were dealt with efficiently.

Marlborough went into the second half believing it was just a matter of time before the breakthrough came. Once again Marlborough dominated the Salisbury goalmouth and once again the ball just wouldn’t go in the goal.

Salisbury were always dangerous and quick on the break and frustrated Marlborough on a handful of occasions. Unable to capitalise from short corners or open play Marlborough began to become a little frantic.

Following a dramatic hailstorm which turned the blue pitch white, Salisbury maintained their composure and leapt on a momentary loss of concentration to score within the last ten minutes of the game.

With momentum of the game suddenly changed in Salisbury’s favour, it was not long before they added a second leaving Marlborough in despair over what should have been.

The score line did not reflect how well Marlborough played and the home side can take many positives from the game. Oh for that elusive goal!

Marlborough News Online player of the match went to Rachel Cox for her attacking and defensive role at centre midfield.