MARLOW RUE MISSED CHANCES

FTL FUTBOL HELLENIC

PREMIER DIVISION

Ascot United 1 Marlow United 1

Marlow trudged off the racecourse ground at the end of 90 minutes wondering how their second half display, in which they dominated the home team, failed to earn them all three points.

The truth is that had they taken any one of the numerous chances they created or had the referee awarded what appeared a certain penalty then victory would have been theirs instead of sharing the points with the home team who registered their first draw of the season after fifteen games.

It was Ascot who took an early lead as centre forward Andy Lunn found himself with space in the box following a corner. The big forward needed no second invitation and he swivelled and fired in an unstoppable shot into the far corner of the net.

Marlow were rocked back by the early setback and suffered a further blow as Nick Flint was replaced by Rob Crawford in the heart of the defence, the player limping of with a foot injury.

Crawford, making a welcome return to the first team, proceeded to turn in an excellent performance against the dangerous Lunn who rarely got a look in from then on.

It was the away team who were making most of the running with Nicol causing the Ascot defence plenty of problems with his powerful running and holding up the ball exceptionally well.

The home team were relying on quick breaks using the width of the pitch and the Marlow defence had to be alert to deal with any danger.

McIntyre and Mills both saw efforts go close for Ascot although it was Marlow who looked the more threatening, their best opportunity coming on 45 minutes as Paget’s ball found Nicol.

He took the ball to the edge of the area, his shot being blocked by keeper Lyons with Adam Harman not able to force home the rebound off the keeper

HT 1-0

Marlow began the second half in commanding form forcing their opponents on the defensive.

Ascot pulled midfielder Simon Knight back in an effort to keep Nicol in check with little success as the Marlow man continued to threaten the home defence.

On 52 minutes Rowley played the ball through to Ollie Flint who skipped past his marker in the area only to be unceremoniously felled as he looked sure to score.

To the amazement of the Marlow team, bench and supporters the referee waved play on.

Paget was then fouled on the edge of the area, Rowley’s free kick finding the keeper before Harman fired a shot at the custodian. The same player then saw his goal bound effort pushed away for a corner on 62 minutes.

The ball was played by Rowley to Mason, back to Rowley who crossed for Paget to head across the goal and into the corner of the net for the equaliser.

It was now all Marlow with Ascot defending desperately, relieving the pressure with long balls out of defence only to find Ovens and Crawford in superb form.

Ollie Flint broke through only to see his shot blocked when it seemed he must score,

West then replaced Harman on 74 minutes as United continued to pile on the pressure, Mason and West firing wide when team mates were better placed.

Mason then volleyed over from close range following a Nicol cross as Marlow threatened to grab the spoils late in the game the away team gaining a corner as time ticked away, the referee finally ending the game as the kick was cleared.

After the game manager Kevin Carvell could not hide his disappointment at the result stating “How we didn’t win that game I don’t know .We created chance after chance in the second half and just needed to put one of them away as well as seeing a certain penalty turned down. It was at least a big improvement on the Highworth game and we now look forward to entertaining Carterton on Saturday with renewed confidence”

FT 1-1

Team

Ramsey, Filmore, Ovens, N Flint, Rowley, Harman, O Flint, R Middleton, Paget, J Mason, A Nicol

Subs

R Crawford for N Flint 14 minutes

Jamie West for A Harman 74 minutes

Scorer

Chris Paget 62 minutes

Scores

M Ramsey   6

B Filmore     6

L Ovens   8

N Flint

C Rowley   7

O Flint   8

R Middleton   6

C Paget   7

J Mason   6

A Nichol   8

A Harman 6

Subs

R Crawford   7

J West   6

Man of the Match

ANDY NICHOL