After last weeks display against Rolleston, there were high hopes of a good result against an improving Marlborough side. Within five miutes of the kick off, it was obvious that the game was going to be a tough one as despite good attacking play, Marlborough were very quick on the counter attack, surging forward in numbers that we couldn't get back in time to cover, but despite that, Lewis, Ewan and Liam coped well, managing to quell the attacks without conceding. We never really got going and the football never seemed to flow and despite winning numerous corners we never managed to take advantage until another corner clearance by Marlborough found Dan who passed out wide to Joe who fired home from a tight angle to take a deserved lead which we took into the interval. The second half started poorly and Marlborough again surged forward in numbers and the lack of desire and urgency to get the ball was punished as Marlborough scored an equaliser. With continued pressure, only fine goalkeeping from Ethan kept the scores level. Not having had a shot in the second half we never looked like worrying Marlborough, but with five minutes to go, the boys raised their game and began attacking. Joe & Jack came close and on any other day they would have scored, but it wasn't to be and the game ended in a draw which was a fair result.
From now on, the games will get harder - last week proved that we can chase, tackle and win and there is a desire - we need to combine that with the good football we are capable of. A bit more hard work and we'll get the results.