FTL FUTBOL
Hellenic League Premier Division
DOWN BUT FAR FROM OUT
Shrivenham - 2 Marlow United - 1
Marlow’s dismal league form continued when they lost out to a Shrivenham team who followed up their midweek win at Flackwell Heath with a narrow win against the severely weakened Bucks team.
When you’re down lady luck seldom smiles on you and so it proved at The Recreation Ground as United saw a certain penalty turned down and then watched as defender Rob Crawford missed the easiest chance he is likely to be presented with as long as the youngster plays the game.
If United had scored from either of those situations then how different could the result have been.
With manager Kevin Carvell yet again having to deal with last minute withdrawals, both first choice forwards James Flint and Lewis Brown being unavailable along with Chris Rowley, Mark Doswell, Ryan Britnell and keeper Carl Murray it was an unfamiliar United team who took the field on a warm late summer day.
The home team kicked off and Gary Wiltshire was soon involved in the action, his challenge leaving Peters in a heap and incurring a lecture from the referee.
Shrivenham were soon forcing the action, a cross from the left evading everyone in the Marlow area on 4 minutes.
Three minutes Crawford lost out to Sanders on the edge of the area, making amends seconds later clearing the ball after a goal mouth scramble.
Marlow won a corner on 9 minutes keeper Alford punching clear under pressure before Stratford fired wide for the home team.
Marlow captain Tristan Heywood was having an excellent game in the centre of defence with Scot Benyon settling in at full back in his first start for over two seasons through injury.
Shrivenham were dictating the pace of the game with Sanders looking lively as United were restricted to occasional forays into their opponents half.
With keeper Buller having difficulty with his kicking the away team were always having trouble in getting out of their half.
Buller was almost caught in possession on 34 minutes as Sanders chased down a Crawford back pass before Sanders and Davis then saw shots blocked by the Marlow defence.
Ollie Flint received a kick to the head on 41 minutes and after lengthy treatment Buchanan saw his shot collected by Alford.
The half ended with Flint again requiring treatment as the away side settled for a scoreless 45 minutes.
HT0-0
Marlow began the half in positive style, Nick Flint’s run and cross being cleared for a corner, Filmore seeing his resultant shot being cleared.
Shrivenham replied with a quick break, Ovens rescuing the situation forcing Sanders wide as the forward looked to open the scoring on 47 minutes.
The home team eventually took the lead on 52 minutes following some woeful defending by United.
Midfielder Dan Flint lost out contesting for the ball on United left, the ball eventually being crossed into an unmarked Dart who fired a low shot into the corner of the net.
Shrivenham briefly threatened to over run a deflated United, Sanders and Davis both spurning chances, the latter from 6 yards.
Marlow took of Dan and Ollie Flint for Adam Lanaway and Ian Green on 62 minutes as United at last began to impose their game on their opponents.
On 64 minutes Green was clear in the area being bought down from behind as he moved toward the goal.
Such is United’s luck at the moment the only person in the ground who did not think it was a penalty was the referee who waved play on!
Undeterred United continued to dominate the game with both subs prominent.
With time running out United gained a free kick, keeper Alford’s mistake leaving Crawford unmarked with the ball at his feet two yards from the empty goal line.
Some how the defender managed to hit the left hand post with his shot when he could have walked the ball into the net.
Straight from that incredible miss Shrivenham played the ball down field to Sanders. The forward cleverly drew in lone defender Benyon before playing the ball into Davis who slotted home the second goal from close range on 81 minutes.
United scored a consolation on 86 minutes with Filmore firing a free kick home after Green was fouled on the edge of the area but the home team were able to play out the remaining few minutes with out to many scares.
FT 2-1
Team
J Buller, S Benyon, L Ovens, R Crawford, T Heywood, B Filmore, N Flint, D Buchanan, G Wiltshire, O Flint, D Flint,
Subs
A Lanaway for Dan Flint 62 minutes
I Green for O Flint 62 minutes
Booked Filmore. 70 minutes.
Scores
J Buller 5
S Benyon 7
L Ovens 7
R Crawford 5
T Heywood 8
B Filmore 6
N Flint 6
D Buchanan 5
G Wiltshire 7
O flint 6
D Flint 5
Subs
Lanaway 7
Green 7
MOM
Tristan Heywood