SPORT ITALIA HELLENIC LEAGUE

HPL FLOODLIT CUP 

United bow out of Floodlit Cup

Marlow United - 1 Henley Town - 3 

Marlow fell at the first hurdle of the HPL floodlit cup, losing 3-1 to local rivals Henley Town at Wilks Park.

With both teams fielding much changed teams it was the Oxfordshire side who deservedly went through to round two in an entertaining cup tie.

Marlow fielded six reserve team regulars along  with Gary Wiltshire and James Ramsey returning to first team action after lay offs.

The home team shaded a goal less first 45 minutes, creating several gilt edged chances but failing to convert any of them.

Chief culprits were Andy West who failed to find the net from 3 yards after Hale and Ramsey combined to set up the cross on 22 minutes.

Hale was equally guilty following a Green free quick, firing across the face of the goal when in the clear as the half came to a close.

In between Green, Crawford and keeper Cooper had to be on their mettle as Newham,  Dunny and Catlyn all tested the Marlow defence, the only surprise of the half being that it remained goal less with both sided creating numerous chances.

The critical event of the half occurred when Marlow’s full back Mark Sciaraffa was harshly shown the red card for use of the elbow in the 45^th minute.

 Half Time 0-0

One man short United soon found them selves under pressure as Henley pressed home their advantage.

Rowley saved his team, clearing of the line from a corner before Dunny fired Henley into the lead. Receiving a through ball he sidestepped the last defender and slid the ball past Cooper. The same player notched his and Henley’s second ten minutes later.

United refused to lie down and after a tactical substitution, Sepede replacing defender Gabb, they came more into the game and when Sepede was tripped in the area Matt Flint scored from the spot on 78 minutes.

Despite some spirited play from United it was the away team who sealed the game, substitute Rann defeating keeper Cooper from 12 yards in the 90^th minute to seal their passage into round two.

1) A Cooper                             6  No fault with goals

2) S Gabb                                 6  100% effort

3) M Sciaraffa                           7  Played well until dismissal

4) I Green                                 7   composed

5) G Wiltshire                           7 Good come back

6) Matt Flint                              7  captains role

7) R Crawford                          7  Assured defender

8) M Rowley                            7  Ran all night

9)  J Ramsey                             7  Showed touches of his class

10) A West                               7 Skilful performer

11) A Hale                                7 Promising debut

Subs

Sepede                                      7  Dangerous

Cuva                                         6 little chance to shine

 MOM

Matt Flint