SPORT
ITALIA HELLENIC LEAGUE
DIVISION
ONE EAST
UNITED
COMPLETE DOUBLE OVER THE CHAMPIONS
Marlow United
kept their sixth clean sheet in seven league games to record a notable double
over last seasons champions Bisley Sports and maintain the pressure on leaders
Chalfont Wasps.
With their
defence having conceded just one league goal in 630 minutes United are picking
up points over their rivals whilst not always playing at there best and so it
proved with this 1-0 win over Bisley.
United had much
the better of the first 45 minutes, leading 1-0 at the interval and then had to
battle hard to hold on to that advantage in the second period.
They were
indebted to there back four and keeper Pollard who between them restricted the
champions to few clear cut chances despite conceding the majority of the
possession in the half.
How different
the first half was as United took the game to their opponents, creating several
dangerous attacks and deservedly taking the lead through Lewis Brown.
Marlow have
certainly unearthed a gem in the diminutive forward who scored his third goal in
two games and turned in a superb performance over the 45 minutes, harrying and
hassling the Bisley defence, his persistence finally being rewarded as he chased
down a back pass, the clearance from keeper Gleeson rebounding of Brown and
sailing into the unguarded net on 39 minutes.
United had
kicked of the game in bitterly cold weather and looked the more dangerous team
from the off.
Heywood’s
header from Bowlers free kick was collected by Gleeson on three minutes. Minutes
later Sciaraffa’s pass found Bowler, from his cross
Brown saw his header cleared
of the line by the Bisley defence.
Murphy and
McGarry exchanged passes for Bisley, the latter’s shot being collected by home
keeper Pollard.
Seconds later
Sciaraffa was felled by a late tackle as he cleared another Bisley attack.
The same player
fired in a free kick from the right which Gleeson fumbled for a corner. From the
kick Filmore fired a volley into
the arms of the keeper.
Buchanan and
Davis combined to release Brown his effort resulting in a Marlow corner.
Wiltshire was
then called on to make the first of many last ditch tackles as the away team
endeavoured to take the lead.
On 30 minutes
Brown embarked on a dazzling run beating three defenders, his final ball
skidding across the Bisley 6 yard box with no Marlow player able to find the
final touch.
The away side
almost caught United on the break and as Pollard rushed from his goal the ball
was played across the unguarded net only for Wiltshire to block the on rushing
forward.
Wiltshire again
made a superb tackle to thwart the away side before Brown opened the scoring by
his sheer persistence.
United were
then indebted to Filmore who blocked a dangerous cross after Heywood lost the
ball in his own half.
United had the
last action of the half, Brown’s cross being deflected for a corner.
United began
the second half by taking the game to their opponents, Bowler firing in a cross.
Brown then laid
off the ball to Davis who found Pedley. His cross was met by Filmore who’s
shot was blocked as Marlow looked to extend their lead.
It was the away
team who now began to dominate possession and Heywood and Wiltshire at the
centre of the defence had to work hard to stem the flow.
Wiltshire in
particular was in the wars receiving a blow on the leg and then injuring his
head as he threw his body into the fray.
Marlow then had
the opportunity to increase their lead as Brown found himself through on goal
only for Gleeson to save at his feet.
Pollard then
saved United’s blushes with a superb one handed save from Parker.
Bisley sub
Beale missed two opportunities to equalise, missing the target twice in the
space of 5 minutes.
Marlow’s
Pedley followed Bisleys Murphy into the referees note book both players being
booked for rash tackles.
Chapman fired
over a free kick for Bisley as they continued to apply pressure on the United
back four but for all their possession they rarely threatened to equalise as the
home defence snuffed out attack after attack.
Vinnie Cuva
replaced an injured Davis on 75 minutes his pace adding an extra dimension
United’s efforts to maintain their lead.
United survived
two more scares as the game drew to it’s conclusion, Pollard foolishly lashing
out after collecting a free kick and Heywood clearing for a corner as Pollard
rushed of his line as Bisley pressed for the equaliser.
The frustration
of the afternoon eventually told on the away side manager Matt Pearson
who found himself banished from the dug out for one outburst too many.
United can now
look forward to two more home games as they attempt to overhaul Chalfont Wasps
at the top of the league.
Manager Kevin
Carvell said after the game” Once again the team showed great character,
defending a one goal lead superbly”
Scores
1)
M Pollard 7 One
superb save
2)
O Flint 7 Composed defending
3)
M Sciaraffa 7 Experience invaluable
4)
G Wiltshire 8 Superb
defending
5)
T Heywood 7 Excellent as usual
6)
J Bowler 6 Cool head
7)
D Buchanan 6 lacked a
little fitness
8)
B Filmore 6 honest endeavour
9)
D Pedley 7 100% effort
10)
R Davis 7 intelligent display
11)
L Brown 8 excellent display
Subs
V Cuva
6 added extra pace
R Sepede 6
5 minutes only
MOM
G Wiltshire