Salisbury continue their winning streak after travelling away to face off against Trowbridge despite a last minute goalkeeper change – regular Daisy Burnfield was unexpectedly unavailable. Luckily, established defensive midfielder Nicky Millings took up the reigns between the posts. Both Salisbury goals were comfortably scored in the first half, while the single Trowbridge goal came through in the 83rd minute.
The Whites started strong, dominating the game with multiple attacks on the Trowbridge goal. A strong bench including Amy Baird, Beth McKinney and Georgi Bavister meant options were available should there be injuries. Power trio Leanne Griffiths-Lower, Deyna Davie and Zoe Alcock commanded their space at the top of the pitch for the first ten minutes of the game with ease, beholden to no-one aside from the linesman.
Trowbridge made their first attack with the ball being picked up by their midfield from a goal kick, though a wayward pass is collected by left back Rachel Lang, who demonstrates excellent pace up the wing and shattering through Trowbridge’s defence, taking a shot but landing it straight into the keepers hands.
In the 15th minute an opportunity arises for a shot on goal after a foul on the edge of the box is given. Vice Captain Ellen Clarke steps up and goals for goal – it scrapes the crossbar.
Barely a minute later, Salisbury’s midfield retain the ball after the goal kick and slot it through to Davie, she dodges the Trowbridge defence with ease and makes an excellent through ball to Griffiths-Lower, a cool tap behind the keeper and Salisbury are 0-1 up.
Trowbridge make substitute after substitute in an attempt to trump the 3 forwards, but to no avail; a second through ball from the middle reaches Griffths-Lower who outskills the Trowbridge centre back, smashing the ball into the goal before the keeper can even react, giving Salisbury their second goal – 0-2 up.
Alcock and Lang play beautiful football down the left wing, overlapping the opposition with ease, though Alcock’s strike on goal is saved seamlessly before the whistle is blown for half time.
Attacking midfielder Noni Davis is subbed off, Davie is dropped in to fill her spot, meaning a forward position is available for Georgi Bavister. 6 minutes in Salisbury earn a corner which leads to a messy scuffle in the box with multiple attempts on goal, none make it and the ball is cleared away, Trowbridge begin their attack though the Salisbury defence are ready and waiting. Kylie Allen makes a strong tackle but is penalised as Trowbridge are given a free kick just outside the box. Millings organises her wall well, as the free kicks is sent sailing well above the crossbar.
Trowbridge begin pressing more, showing more domination in the game. They advance through, reaching the box, Captain Gemma Marsh tracks the Trowbridge striker back into the box, the striker catches her own foot, hitting the deck, leading Marsh to follow suit. The ref sees the topple poorly and gives a penalty. Millings is ready and dives the right way, getting her fingertips to the ball but not quite enough to stop it going into the side netting of the goal – 1-2.
The short remainder of the match was a steady battle with the ball not making it any further into either box. The ref blew the full time whistle and the Whites return home with the full 3 points. Player of the Match is awarded to Deyna Davie for outstanding battling, calmness and clinical play throughout, creating multiple chances for the Whites.
Salisbury are currently sat 3rd on the league table and have a much anticipated match this week against local rivals Durrington in – what is bound to be – an action filled game at the Ray Mac.
