MARLOW REACH SEMI FINALS

HPL FLOODLIT CUP

QUARTER FINALS

Marlow United - 2 Cheltenham Saracens - 1

Marlow progressed through to the semi finals of the HPL Floodlit Cup with a hard won victory over a youthful Cheltenham side who pushed United all the way.

The home team began the game in purposeful style and deservedly took the lead on 6 minutes when Lewis Brown received the ball from a throw in on the right, slipped past his marker and fired in a tremendous volley from the edge of the area.

Brown missed a glorious opportunity to double Marlow’s lead on 24 minutes, his close range header from Buchanan’s corner sailing over the bar, this after Wiltshire had seen his shot on the turn pushed away for a corner.

In truth that is as good at it got for most of the first half as the away team dominated possession with top scorer Tustain hitting the woodwork on 19 minutes, the ball rebounding back off keeper Murray after hitting the upright before Cheltenham equalised on the half hour, Shand heading home from 6 yards after Marlow failed to clear the ball from a free kick that hit the post.

Saracens Ireland headed wide from a corner when well placed as the away team pressed for a second goal.

Marlow’s Coull was needlessly booked for kicking the ball away on 33 minutes shortly before a Nick Flint free kick found Brown in the area, the Marlow forward falling under a challenge as the home spectators appealed for a penalty.

Cheltenham almost took the lead as the half closed a cross from the left skidding across the Marlow area with the defence static.

HT1-1

Marlow began the second half in a more determined style and took the lead on 57 minutes after Dan Pedley broke down the left, his cross finding the dangerous Coull who slotted the ball under the keeper to restore United’s lead.

Despite having the better of the play in this half the home team could not afford to relax with the dangerous Tustain always looking a threat for Cheltenham although the Gloucester team were unable to match their earlier work rate allowing Marlow to control much of the play.

United made the first of three subs on the hour, Doug Buchanan making way for Ben Filmore who was making a welcome return from a long term injury.

Shortly after Coull fired over following a Pedley cross as Marlow began to apply some concerted pressure, Pedley, Brown and Ovens combining with the latter’s cross being cleared.

Ryan Britnell and Scot Benyon replaced Pedley and Ross Middleton as Marlow bought on fresh legs to hold on to their lead

With Coull, Pedley and Brown keeping their opponents busy it was Marlow who looked the more likely winners and despite a couple of scares from Tustain, Murray making one excellent save in the last minute, they held on to progress into the semi final stage of the competition.

Manager Kevin Carvell said after the game “The fact that was our first game in February showed particularly in the first half. We improved as the game went on and I’m glad to get 90 minutes under our belt with a tough fixture on Saturday”

Team

C Murray, L Ovens, N Flint, M Doswell ( Capt) I Green, D Buchanan, C Coull, R Middleton, D Pedley, L Brown, G Wiltshire,

Subs

Ben Filmore for Doug Buchanan 61 minutes

Ryan Britnell for Dan Pedley 68 minutes

Scot Benyon for Ross Middleton 80 minutes

Scorers

Lewis Brown 6 minutes

Callum Coull 57 minutes

Scores

C Murray  7

L Ovens  6

N Flint  6

M Doswell  7

I Green  6

D Buchanan  6

C Coull  8

R Middleton  6

D Pedley  7

L Brown  7

G Wiltshire  6

Subs

B Filmore  6

R Britnell  6

S Benyon  6

Man of the Match

CALLUM COULL