SPORT ITALIA HELLENIC LEAGUE

DIVISION ONE EAST

BACK TO WINNING WAYS

Marlow United – 2 Finchampstead - 0

Marlow returned to winning ways finally overcoming a dogged Finchampstead side that belied their lowly league position by holding the title chasers until the 74^th minute.

On a day when the FA Cup provided plenty of surprises United struggled to overcome their third from bottom opponents, the spectre of last weeks disappointing result at Eton threatening to repeat itself.

Manager Kevin Carvell echoed those sentiments after the game saying “The thought of dropping vital points against lowly opposition looked a possibility, we certainly like to make hard work of these games. The top of the division is getting tighter and we cannot afford to drop any more silly points”

As with last week Marlow dominated the game failing to convert the many chances they created.

As early as the first minute Gary Wiltshire found space in the area but with his back to goal he was unable to find any power in his shot.

Two minutes a later and a corner from the right was met by Davis but his header flew wide.

Bowler then released Wiltshire, his pass splitting the Finchampstead defence, only for the Marlow forward to see his close range effort parried by keeper Payne.

For all their possession the home team could have found themselves a goal down as Thomas volleyed a cross against the bar from 20 yards with Cooper a spectator.

Further chances came and went as the home team dominated possession; Bowler was proving a handful supplying plenty of crosses from the left.

Midfielder Dougie Buchanan hit the bar with an effort after a Pedley cross was cleared before keeper Payne was injured after a challenge from Wiltshire.

Mat Flint was booked for arguing with the referee over the same incident.

Bowler then played Davis into the area but the Marlow forward delayed his shot when well placed.

Continued pressure saw a Sciaraffa free kick headed over by Wiltshire, Bowler had a shot saved and from the resultant corner the ball was cleared of the line from Pedley.

As the half came to a close Finchampstead’s Wyatt saw his effort saved by Cooper after a defensive mix up.

United were then indebted to Crawford, his last ditch tackle robbing Thomas of a goal scoring opportunity.

A further Bowler cross saw Davis fire at the keeper with United keeping up the pressure as the half ended.

HT 0-0

The second period followed the same pattern as the first with Marlow’s passing game keeping the away side penned into their own half for long periods.

For all their possession they were becoming frustrated at their inability to convert chances into goals with Davis, Wiltshire, Buchanan and Pedley all missing opportunities.

With Finchampstead looking to catch Marlow on the break the United back four had to be on their toes, Catlin and Crawford forming a solid partnership allowing full backs Flint and Sciaraffa the opportunity to join in the forward play.

On the hour United withdrew the injured Bowler, substitute Karl Lewis proving a real handful.

On 63 minutes he beat his defender crossing a perfect ball into the six yard box only for Davis to fail to make contact.

A minute later the influential Pedley was felled as he progressed into the area only for the referee to ignore the penalty appeals.

United then bought on Sepede for Davis, fearing a repeat of last weeks result.

Two minutes later and the deadlock was broken. A Buchanan corner from the left was cleared back to the Marlow man. He returned the ball into the danger area where Finchampstead’s Hopper only succeeded in turning the cross over his own line as he attempted to clear.

Wiltshire created a great opportunity to double the lead , beating two players in the area he fired the ball at the near post only for Payne to save the shot.

Pedley found Lewis on the edge of the six yard box only for the off side flag to deny the Marlow substitute.

On 83 minutes United doubled their lead with a move involving several passes followed by a Pedley cross. Wiltshire’s header found an unmarked Lewis and he dispatched the ball into the back of the net from close range.

United saw out the final few minutes to record their first win in three games and keep their challenge for a top two league placing on track.

 Team: Cooper, Flint O. Catlin, Crawford, Sciaraffa, Pedley, Buchanan, Flint M, Bowler, Davis, Wiltshire. Subs used; Sepede

A Cooper                               6  Played well

O Flint                                     7 Excellent

M Sciaraffa                            6 composed

P Catlin                                  7  Assured

R Crawford                            6 Crucial interceptions

D Pedley                                8  All action display

D Buchanan                           6 Unlucky not to have scored

M Flint                                     6  Experienced head

J Bowler                                 6  Excellent crosses

R Davis                                  6 involved throughout

G Wiltshire                             6 Constant menace

Subs

K Lewis                                   7  Immediate impact

R Sepede                               6  Held the ball up well

MOM

Dan Pedley