Bretforton Hockey Club crash to 3-0 defeat at Marlborough in West Clubs Women’s League Premier Division 2A

Bret pushed forward from the first whistle and used practised training ground moves to weave up the pitch and put pressure immediately on the Marlborough defence.

However, Marlborough managed to keep Bret at bay, however, and they made a break and took the lead after converting a well-struck short corner.

Bret continued to work hard with some enterprising running and link-up play from striking partnership Slatter and Sarah Hall.

Emma Lowe got into threatening positions to receive the ball and, with Hayley Whitehouse’s explosive runs, Bret looked like they were going to come back into the match.

With a cross from Whitehouse, Lowe was unlucky not to deflect the ball into the back of the net just moments before the half-time whistle.

Play was even after the interval and Bret remained confident they could force their way back into the contest.

Amy Pinkney and Danni Cox worked the ball well down the right and looked threatening on a host of occasions.

With Bret pushing hard, Marlborough managed to clear their lines and make another break, once again winning a short corner. Although Bret’s defence attempted to keep out the shot, Marlborough doubled the advantage.

Great defensive work from Tessa Lewinton, and Julie Hall and along with Sarah Cook kept Bret in touch, and Heather Carr, who bravely stepped in as goalkeeper, made some vital saves.

The experienced Jane Wheeler returned to the team and showed she had not lost her ability to make a clean tackle.

Marlborough, on the other hand, put the pressure back on and scored a match-clinching third goal from a quickly-taken free hit.

There was better new for Bretforton Ladies Veterans who secured a 2-1 win against Telford and Wrekin in the Investec Women’s Masters Over 35s Trophy.

Sarah Hall and Julie Hall bagged the goals for Bret who battled hard and deserved their passage into the next round.