HOLDERS CRASH OUT

READING SENIOR CUP

Marlow United - 1 Henley Town - 2

Holders and favourites Marlow United crashed out of the Reading Senior Cup in controversial circumstances at Wilks Park losing out by the odd goal of three to rivals Henley Town.

Fielding a much changed and weakened side for this twice postponed tie United found themselves a goal behind after just 5 minutes of play as full back Lee ovens was adjudged to have fouled his opponent inside the penalty area when to all intents and purposes the tackle was a good yard outside.

The spot kick was duly converted to give the away side an early boost, one that their play had not deserved.

Marlow continued to look the more dangerous side in the early exchanges with Wiltshire and Brown both having efforts.

Henley then contrived to miss an easy chance as they caught United on the break.

In a scrappy game the home team looked capable of pulling back the one goal deficit when they were hit by a second controversial goal as the half came to a close.

Lewis Brown appeared to be fouled on the edge of the Henley area as Marlow attacked and as the ball broke free it was played into the United half from where the cross was converted from close range.

With the United team querying both the initial foul on Brown and the question of an offside from the clearance Marlow ended the half two down.

HT 0-2

If they were to have half a chance of salvaging the tie Marlow needed an early score but despite early pressure, with Cuva giving his full back a torrid time, they didn’t really threaten the Henley goal.

In fact it was the away team who continually caught United on the break and with a little more composure in front of goal they could easily have doubled their lead, missing two gilt edged chances to score.

United finally scored on 71 minutes as Brown was tugged back in the area, again though controversy engulfed the incident with the culprit only receiving a yellow card despite being the last man.

Wiltshire duly scored from the spot offering Marlow a glimmer of hope but despite pressure and several corners they were unable to find an equaliser.

In fact Henley should have increased their lead in injury time as they broke from a Marlow corner only to miss another easy opportunity.

FT 1-2

Team

M Ramsey, L Ovens, I Green, R Crawford, R Britnell, A West, D Pedley, R Middleton, V Cuva, L Brown, G Wiltshire.

Subs

A Hale for A West 54 minutes

S Gabb for D Pedley 79 minutes

 Booked

Wiltshire, Ovens, Green, Carvell, manager.

Scores

Ramsey 6

Ovens 6

Britnell 5

Green 6

Crawford 6

West 5

Pedley 6

Middleton 6

Cuva 7

Brown 6

Wiltshire 6

Subs Hale 5

Gabb 5

MOM

Vinnie Cuva