MARLBOROUGH maintained their grip on third place in Wessex Division One as they roared into a two-goal lead.

For the second week in a row they scored within the first two minutes, from a well rehearsed short corner as Ness Pickford timed her strike.

Shortly after, winger Helen Lord scored as she patiently waited on the post for a cross.

Alex Crosby-Jones added a third as she dribbled the ball round the defence to strike at the top of the D.

Norton Down grabbed a goal at end of the first half, but Marlborough continued to dominate the possession, particularly in midfield with Pickford earning player of the match.

Lord scored again to seal the victory, getting a crucial deflection on a shot from Catherine Manley.

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