Football
Marlow FC v Westfield FC
Marlow played Westfield at home, in an FA Trophy qualifier match on Saturday 30th October.
The match was drawn 2-2 at half time, but Marlow managed to finish 4-3, with goals from Nnamdi Nwachuku (11′), Junaid Bell (43′), Devontae Romeo (68′) and Nnamdi Nwachuku (71′)
Mon 1st November saw the draw for the first round proper of the Buildbase FA Trophy, and Marlow have been drawn at home to Larkhall Athletic FC, with the fixture to be played on Saturday, 13th November. The teams have met before in the FA Trophy, on 30th October 2015 with Marlow taking a 3-0 home win.
Yateley United v Marlow United
Saturday 30th October – United were indebted to Lewis Horbury who stepped up to don the keepers gloves as the visitors deservedly shared the points at Yateley, with the match drawn at 1-1. The full match report can be found on United’s website.
Hockey results Oct 30th
Results this week reflect the number of players unavailable due to half term. Despite that, a full programme of matches was played
Mens
The men’s first team dropped their first points this season in a draw with new opponents Basingstoke at home 3-3.
The visitors proved to be strong and experienced and the most challenging opponents met so far this season. However, Marlow were two ahead at halftime with excellent goals by Callum White and Matt Bilsland, both following penalty corners. Basingstoke had done their share of attacking but up to that point their threat had been contained by good defending. After half time Marlow were put under a lot of pressure and Basingstoke scored twice to level the score, one as the result of a rash challenge by Marlow Goalkeeper Max Charmer- Davies which conceded a penalty stroke. However, Max more than redeemed himself with a series of superb stops.
After the equalising goal, Marlow reshuffled the defence with Matt Ashton taking a more defensive role but then making a wonderful run down the wing, opening up the Basingstoke defence and resulting in a well-taken goal by Josh Morgans. Basingstoke were not to be outdone and further attacks led to the equaliser with very little time left. The watching crowd shared the Marlow team’s disappointment but overall a draw was a fair result. Although dropping two points and Oxford Hawks winning Marlow 1sts remain top of the table on goal difference.
The men’s 2nds travelled to Banbury, aiming to get back to winning ways. With half-term absences, the side had a number of changes. Marlow were nonetheless organised and tactically well prepared and it showed inside the first minute with a good movement ending with Dan Field putting a reverse stick shot narrowly wide. Other chances followed but it was Banbury who opened the scoring, somewhat against the run of play. Marlow continued to create, with Sam Gavin frequently at the centre of things. The arrival of Pat Staal added further impetus. The Dutchman turned the Banbury defence inside out on several occasions, and after drawing a good save with his first reverse stick shot, minutes later he hammered another reverse into the bottom corner to level the scores. Marlow went into the second half with their tails up. However, Banbury snuffed out hopes with two well-taken goals. The first resulted from a turnover, while the second was a great reverse stick finish into the top corner. Marlow tried to go more direct as time ran out but only succeeded in increasing the turnover count rather than the goal tally. To lose 3-1 was frustrating and did not reflect the play overall.
Other Men’s results:- 3s lost 6-2 away to Oxford Hawks4, 4s drew away 0-0 with Staines 3, 5s lost away to Eastcote4 6-1, 6s lost 1-0 away to Eastcote 6, 7s lost 8-0 to S Berks 7s
Ladies results
The ladies first team had a goalless draw with Amersham& Chalfont. The first half was very even but Marlow had most of the possession in the second half but were unable to score. Tilly Crampsie was voted player of the match.for her assured performance in mid-field.
The 2nd team were away to Phoenix & Ranelagh 1s and continued their good form witn a 3-0 win.
Other ladies results:- 3s beat Reading4 3-2, 4s beat banbury2s 4-0, 5s drew 2-2 with Maidenhead4. 6s beat Newbury & Thatcham5 4-0, 7s beat Staines3 3-1.
Junior hockey.
There was a very full programme of junior cup matches as follows:-
Boys U16b vs Amersham &Chalfont lost 2-1 U16A vs Oxford Hawks 3-2 win, U18 vs Oxford 4-0 win, U14A vs A&C 2-1 loss
Girls U18 vs Stourport 1-1 at full time, lost 2-3 on shuffles, U16A vs Guildford 3-1 win, U16B vs Slough 2-0 win, U14B vs Maidenhead 2-1 loss, GU14A vs Bath 3-1 loss
