Marlborough 1st XI (1) v Swindon (2)

October 11, 2008

Marlborough 1 Swindon 2
As local Derby’s go, this was no different, the passion, the commitment, the flair was all there to see on a very hot day at Marlborough College. Marlborough coming off the back of a hard fought draw at Swansea last week, so confidence was high going into this game. That said, Marlborough were without key players for this match with injuries playing havoc. Swindon started the brighter, playing the ball around nicely and taking control of the midfield, With this sustained ball retention and pressure cam the first goal of the game as Swindon were allowed time at the top of the ‘D’ to slot the ball into the corner of the goal. That goal got Marlborough going and started to play the ball around and started to create pressure and in doing so forced their first short corner of the game, a good strike from Keith Radnedge followed a great stick save from the Swindon keeper but it fell to Man of the Match for Marlborough, Jack Barrow who followed up and roofed the re-bound into the top right hand corner. With the game nicely poised at 1-1, both sides were looking to gain the upper hand and Swindon did so on the stroke of half time as once again Marlborough allowed Swindon time to shot and the ball was deflected in at the far post to give Swindon a 2-1 lead going into half time. Captain Rich Holman did his best to rally the troops at half time, but as it proved, the team with no substitutes were always going to tire and just couldn’t create that many chances, that said the best chance of the side half fell to Marlborough as a quick hit at the top of the ‘D’ was deflected in by Will Hansen across the goal, the ball went agonisingly wide of the far post. With time running out Marlborough pushed men forward leaving gaps everywhere, but Swindon couldn’t put the game to bed. The score line ended 2-1 to Swindon and on the balance of play deserved the win.