Marlborough Ladies 7 Swanage & Wareham 0
The first lie-in of the season for Malborough Hockey Club Ladies Firsts with a late pushback against Swanage and Wareham at home (October 14). The game saw a stunning Marlborough win : 7-0.
The first half started really well with constant shots on goal and circle penetrations from the Marlborough front-line who were swarming round the Swanage goal.
Some great passing through the lines saw Marlborough win a short corner off an unfortunate Swanage defender’s foot. A neat sweep across the D from Beth Palfrey saw Catherine Manley skilfully get a shot away…. but again being blocked by another defender’s foot on the line. Penalty flick given. A swift flick from Catherine Manley saw Marlborough go 1-0 up.
Marlborough continued to dominate the game. Another period of great play saw Jess Davis pass the ball to the back post to be perfectly tapped in, again by Catherine Manley.
With Marlborough spirits high, they started to dominate again with Rachel Cox creating a perfect chance which she executed amazingly for a goal. With loads more chances being created from the running of Amy Davidson and Annabel Ashley and connections with Tess Christmas, Anna Strover and Milly Dawson, Marlborough saw one last goal for the half as Milly Dawson fought hard to push the ball over the line.
The second half started more slowly, with Swanage finding gaps in the midfield to attack but luckily Beth Palfrey and Emily Carter-Davies were there to make the crucial tackles.
Marlborough continued to attack the circle with Sophie Flynn hitting some terrific shots on goal, but the ball would not go over the line. As Marlborough started to get frustrated a nicely timed pass to Catherine Manley saw another goal.
Marlborough pushed hard to add to their tally and finally they were rewarded with two more goals – both scored by Catherine Manley.
After a great performance from the whole team Catherine Manley was awarded Marlborough.news Player of the Match for her fighting spirit and her FIVE GOAL tally.
Daisy Beckwith reports on Marlborough Ladies Third Team’s away fixture with Corsham Seconds (October 14):
Corsham Seconds gave the team a run for their money and the score ended in a draw of 1-1.
The first half of the match was played at fast speed with some lovely skills and pace from both Joanna Henry and Millie Prentice in midfield. Unfortunately, despite our defenders’ (Debbie James, Karen Davis and Alex Knighton) hard work throughout the match, Corsham managed to slip a goal in – seven minutes before half time.
Goalie Issy Davis played really well, stopping some hard hits and deflecting them back to the defenders.
The second half was intense as Marlborough became goal hungry and the forwards (Debbie Dellar, Annabel Prowse, Elsie Slater, Nyah Brooks) worked hard. Karen Davis also did some running from defence all the way up the pitch to give more chances at goal.
Luckily Daisy Beckwith was on the case, and after some lovely stick work in the D, Millie Morgan managed to score a goal from base line by lifting it over the goalie. Both sides had quite a few shots at goal from short corners, but to none made the net.
Of course it wouldn’t be a proper match if Debbie Dellar hadn’t come home with a bruise or two and a word with the umpire!
There were two marlborough.news Players of the Match this week, Karen Davis and Daisy Beckwith – both for their determination and interceptions.
It was Millie Morgan’s last match with Marlborough, and she has been our top scorer so far this season, she will be sorely missed. Next week Marlborough are at home and play Devizes.