SPORT
ITALIA HELLENIC LEAGUE
DIVISION
ONE EAST
MAGNIFICENT MARCO
A superb 59th minute free kick from Marco Sciaraffa lit up an otherwise dour game at Wilks Park as the home team moved into third place in the league.
David Beckham would have been proud of the free kick, which ultimately proved to be the winning goal as United defeated a physically bigger Binfield team.
Marlow were again indebted to their defence as they held off a determined challenge, keeper Pollard deserving mention for two superb saves in a torrid opening 20 minutes.
Captain Tristan Heywood was the early hero clearing from under the bar as a dangerous corner was headed goal ward by Whitty.
On 12 minutes Pollard produced a superb reactions save from his own player as a Sciaraffa clearance looked to be heading for the net.
One minute later the keeper dived full length to turn Tallantyre’s rasping drive around the post as United struggled to match their opponents work rate.
Ben Filmore became the first player in the referees note book following a heavy challenge as Binfield cleared a United attack on 18 minutes, with the home team gradually beginning to assert themselves in the game.
Sepede began to test the Binfield back four with his close control and it was his cross from the left that eluded both Davis and Lewis..
The same player was again involved on the right picking up a ball inside the area he strode toward the goal were he was tackled from behind as he was about to shoot.
Much to the dismay of the home team the referee ignored the penalty appeals.
Gary Wiltshire replaced the injured Davis on the half hour and the sub was soon involved firing a free kick wide of the goal.
Prior to that Pollard misjudged a high ball into the area forcing Matt Flint into clearing McClure’s goal attempt and the keeper was out quickly to clear a through ball which resulted in a booking for Binfield’s Whittle.
The keeper again came to United’s rescue saving a volley from Whittle before Sepede manoeuvred himself into the Binfield box only to find himself with no support as the attack broke down.
Then as the half entered injury time Wiltshire picked up the ball on the left of the Binfield penalty area, played a quick one two with Sepede and as he was tackled the ball skidded across the six-yard box. Matt Flint won the race for the ball and rammed it home from 4 yards to give Marlow the half time lead.
Marlow began the second half buoyed by the late goal with Wiltshire and Sepede combining again with the latter unable to get off his shot as he was tackled.
On 48 minutes Ollie Flint and Sepede exchanged passes allowing Matt Flint a shot which flew over.
McClure wasted a golden opportunity to level the scores hitting the ball over from 4 yards following a corner before United doubled their lead on 59 minutes.
Hutt, the Binfield keeper, was penalised as he handled the ball outside the area, receiving a caution in the process.
Sciaraffa placed the ball on the right edge of the area and proceeded to fire the kick round the wall and into the top left hand corner, 2-0 too United.
Marlow were now in control of the game, West just missing Filmore’s flick in the area.
Binfield made a double substitution on 65 minutes in an effort the retrieve something from the game but it was West who missed with a header 5 minutes later.
Heywood was booked three minutes later for protesting a decision as the Marlow captain appeared to be pulled back only to see the kick awarded to Binfield.
Marlow looked comfortably in control of the game, containing Binfield’s efforts to reduce the arrears when Matt Flint needlessly fouled a Binfield forward on the left touchline.
From the free kick Callaway headed home to set up a nervous final 15 minutes.
Pollard comfortably saved from Day before a corner for Binfield was cleared by the home team.
Cuva, substitute for Sepede, snapped a shot wide and Binfield had another corner cleared as the game entered 4 minutes of extra time.
It was the home team who celebrated at the final whistle though; as they moved into the top three of the league and moved seven points clear of their opponents.
Team: Pollard, Flint O, Heywood (Capt), Green, Sciaraffa, West, Filmore, Davis, Lewis, Sepede, Flint M Subs used: Wiltshire, Cuva, Pedley
1) Pollard 9 Superb
2) O Flint 7 Excellent return from injury
3) M Sciaraffa 8 Brilliant goal
4) I Green 7 Composed
5) T Heywood 8 Captains performance
6) K Lewis 7 Dangerous until injured
7) M Flint 7 Committed as ever
8) B Filmore 7 As above
9) A West 7 Tireless
10) R Sepede 8 Constant danger
11) R Davis 7 100% until injury
Subs
Wiltshire 7 Physical presence
Pedley 7 Slotted in well
Cuva 7 Little time to make impact
MOM
MATT POLLARD