Marlborough 1 Swindon 2
With this being a top of the table against bottom of the table clash and with a number of players unavoidably missing, it was always going to be a very tough game against Swindon. However after last week’s draw with Chippenham there was a positive mood in the changing room before the game.
Marlborough came out with purpose and stuck to the game plan with all players maximising the opportunities they had. Swindon attacked strongly in numbers and the home team defended well with numerous short corners being disrupted.
Despite Penny Bowen, Catherine Manley and Rachel Cox in midfield working hard to help the defence, Swindon’s first goal eventually came from a ball fired into the D and the forward taking a low fast deflection past goalkeeper Vicky Moxham.
Marlborough tried desperately to even the score before half time, but struggled to penetrate the Swindon D. The best chance was a lovely ball in by Rachel Cox straight to Becki Marnane whose deflection narrowly missed the goal.
Having played most of the first half defending, Marlborough began the second half strongly and started to take the game to Swindon with a number of attacks working their way in to the opposition’s goal mouth.
Swindon counter attacked strongly on many occasions, but the Marlborough defence worked tirelessly and held firm and goalkeeper Vicky Moxham was called on to make some crucial saves.
Unluckily for Marlborough Swindon finally scored their second goal from another close range deflection. The fighting spirit again kicked in and with some great team play Marlborough started to work their way back up the pitch, attacking Swindon more and more.
The game started to open up with end to end attacks and equal ball possession.
Marlborough were finally rewarded with a number of short corners, one of which resulted in a pass to Penny Bowen whose shot was calmly deflected in by Rachel Cox.
Sensing a draw or win was possible Marlborough piled on the pressure in the last five minutes, but were unlucky not to be rewarded with a goal.
It was an incredible team performance and shows the potential this squad has under the guidance of Pete Crook, the team’s new coach. Watch this space there is so much more to come…
Marlborough News Online players of the match were Becki Marnane for her incredible selfless running and Beth Palfrey for her tireless defending.