Marlborough Ladies vs Cheltenham CS Ladies
Marlborough win 4-1
Marlborough were keen to continue their winning run and planned to try for an early goal to settle the team.
However, it was not to be. Cheltenham Civil Service proved to be quite an imposing force, pressing us hard and made it difficult for us to dominate.
After what seemed an eternity, but was only 20 minutes, we finally scored our first goal. With excellent build up play from the backs, through the mids to the forwards, the ball was passed around the D and Catherine Manley neatly placed the ball in the corner of the goal.
The team gained confidence from this and with renewed vigour, promptly scored a second cracking goal just before half time. Helen Durrans intercepted the ball at the half way point, and skipping past two of their defenders, smashed the ball to Becki Marnane who was at the far post and Becki managed to deflect the ball deftly over the keeper’s foot into the net.
The half time whistle blew and overall, Marlborough were happy with the 2-0 lead, but certainly not in a comfortable position just yet.
Rotating the midfield to ensure fresh legs, Marlborough continued to press the opposition hard but to their credit they defended our advances and neutralised our efforts.
After 50 minutes, Marlborough stretched the play, produced some excellent link up passes and achieved a short corner. A well-practised set piece, saw Becki Marnane pick out Rosie Curling at the far post who chipped the ball over the keeper.
Almost immediately, Cheltenham CS counter attacked from their defensive D and won a short corner which they converted sweetly.
With a score line of 3-1, Marlborough were far from finished and applied consistent pressure on their opponents goal line. After a tussle in front of the goal, Rosie Curling managed to tuck the ball away.
The final 4-1 result to Marlborough was a great end to a fantastic first half of the season. Marlborough very much hope they can maintain this momentum – going into the second half of the season at the top of the table, with a four point lead and plus-45 goal difference.