Hockey: with two games left Marlborough ladies still fighting relegation

Cheltenham II     5     Marlborough     0

After a 20 minute delayed start, both teams were eager to get on the pitch and the game started furiously with Cheltenham leading the first attacks.

Cheltenham appeared to have recovered from whatever player shortage they had had the weekend before when they conceded a game to Swanage away.  On Saturday (March 14) they had a strong squad of 14 to play with.

The Marlborough defence was put under pressure from the start and it wasn’t long before Cheltenham seized an opportunity to grab a loose ball inside their 25 to score the opening goal.

Ramping up the pressure Cheltenham continued their aggressive attacking play, giving the Marlborough defence a lot of work to do. They cleared the ball well but Cheltenham closed down quickly and got the better of most 50/50 balls in the midfield.

Alex Crosby-Jones and Catherine Manley made Marlborough’s first convincing attack, with a shot in front of goal which was saved by the Cheltenham goalie. Despite this early sign of recompense, Cheltenham kept the upper hand and played the ball around efficiently creating well-positioned scoring opportunities in their D.

Although Vicky Moxham had a touch on both, Cheltenham snuck another two goals past her, leaving the score at half time 3-0 to Cheltenham.

Marlborough started the second half with renewed energy, playing the ball around well and supporting each other better. Marlborough won themselves a short corner, early in the half, but a straight strike from Alex Crosby-Jones didn’t convert.

Cheltenham on the other hand seized an opportunity on their back line, volleying the ball into the net and scoring the first goal of the half.

Marlborough then pulled out their best 20 minutes of the game, holding Cheltenham out well, closing down loose balls and the Cheltenham attacks to keep the upper hand in defence. The battle was fierce and physical in mid-field, however Marlborough struggled to create any meaningful attacking opportunities.  

Cheltenham capitalised on the few chances they got this half, ending the game 5-0.

The Marlborough News Online players of the match were Vanessa Pickford and Penny Bowen.