Third Division Swindon Spitfires Reserves reached the semi-final of the Thames Valley League plate competition after seeing off Division 2 side Marlborough Town 3-0.

Marlborough had an early opportunity after three minutes but shot wide and the game settled into an even contest with both defences holding firm. Spitfires too often tried to play down the middle and found themselves crowded out, and any through balls lacked weighting.

In the 36th minute Tash Blackwell did manage to break free but didn’t get the desired power or direction on her shot. Ten minutes later the visitors had their best chance but the shot came back off the post, hit ‘keeper Rachel Donovan and bobbled wide.

The second half saw Spitfires get more width, and created more chances as a result. In the 52nd minute Clarissa Rebbeck broke down the left before crossing only for Blackwell and Vicky Wilkes to squander shooting opportunities. Ten minutes later Cat Baird’s right-wing cross found Zofie Stepien who volleyed wide.

Wilkes then put a shot over the bar in the 73rd minute before Spitfires finally got the break through in the 79th minute, Baird was set free by Blackwell before cutting in and curling a shot over the ‘keeper into the far corner.

Donovan was called upon to make a couple of smart saves as Marlborough pushed for an equaliser before Blackwell was just wide from an Elaine Hall free-kick with two minutes on the clock. A minute later Spitfires got some breathing space when Stepien converted from the spot following a hand ball, and the icing on the cake came two minutes into stoppage time when player of the match Kayleigh Reeves broke down the left before finishing between the ‘keeper and her near post.

Spitfires worked hard all over the pitch today in an encounter that in all truth could have gone either way – the final 3-0 score line somewhat flattering – but it was Spitfires who took their chances and now look forward to the semi-final draw.