FTL FUTBOL
Hellenic League Premier Division
MARLOW AT THE DOUBLE
Old Woodstock Town -1 Marlow United - 3
Marlow made the journey to Abingdon for the second time in 5 days, this time to the ground of Abingdon United to take on Old Woodstock Town in the return fixture having defeated their hosts 2-0 just eleven days ago.
The Bucks team duly completed the double over Woodstock again by a two goal margin, this time scoring 3 and conceding just the once.
Woodstock kicked off playing into a gale force wind which inevitably influenced the pattern of the game.
On 2 minutes United forced the first of five corners gained in the first 15 minutes, the kick from Chris Rowley failing to clear the first defender and eventually being cleared.
Lee Ovens saw his shot on 7 minutes saved by home keeper Foster with United having two players lying injured and the referee allowing play to continue.
United gained three quick corners on 14 minutes the second of these from Rowley forcing Foster to fumble the ball over the bar.
From the third Woodstock broke quickly with Roberts firing over when well placed.
Marlow almost snatched the lead on 16 minutes with Ovens and Pedley combining to release Lewis Brown, the forward finding space in the area only for Foster to deny a goal with a brave save at Browns feet.
The same player then embarked on a run after a through ball by Green only to see his shot blocked for a corner.
Pedley found him self in the book for a rash challenge on 26 minutes before Woodstock created their best chance of the game as the ball was fired past the post from a corner.
They were made to pay for that miss as a minute later United took the lead, Rowley’s free kick finding an unmarked Buchanan at the far post.
The midfielder duly volleyed home from an acute angle to register his second goal in successive games.
Buchanan almost doubled that lead two minutes later his shot being charged down by Woodstock’s defence, again from a Rowley free quick.
Nick Flint became the second United player in the book following a heavy challenge on Dunmall; this after the referee missed two fouls on Marlow players as the away team were on the attack.
Woodstock were enjoying a large degree of possession at this stage and a cross from Roberts was cleared at full stretch by keeper Ramsey and Green lost possession a minute later allowing Pusey a run and shot on goal which flew over.
United saw out the remainder of the half with out further scares, taking a one goal lead into the interval but well aware that they would be facing the elements in the second period.
HT 0-1
The expected onslaught from the home team never materialised as Marlow took control of the game despite playing into the strong wind.
The home team forced an early corner after a foul by Britnell resulted in a free kick to Woodstock.
United were denied what appeared a definite penalty after James Flint played the ball inside to brother Ollie.
As the Marlow midfielder ran on he was clearly barged of the ball inside the penalty area but the referee waved play on.
Undeterred Marlow continued to dictate what was becoming a scrappy game and should have increased their lead on 53 minutes, Buchanan firing wide from close range after Foster misjudged the flight of an Ovens cross.
Ollie Flint became the third Marlow booking for arguing with the referee before the second goal arrived on 56 minutes, Nick Flint playing the ball into the area where Ollie Flint first controlled the ball before laying it back to Lewis Brown who fired a low shot past a despairing Foster and into the net.
Marlow put the game beyond their opponents on 65 minutes with James Flint capping an energetic display by heading home Rowley’s corner from close range.
With the game safe United made three substitutions in the space of 6 minutes Wiltshire, Filmore and Lanaway replacing Brown, Buchanan and Ollie Flint the latter retiring with a damaged eye.
The changes resulted in Woodstock gaining the upper hand in the closing stages sub Gilkes missing a golden opportunity on 76 minutes, his header from close range being directed into the ground and over the bar with keeper Ramsey struggling.
On 90 minutes they were rewarded with a goal out of the blue, a cross from the left being deflected by Barker past a startled Ramsey and into the net.
Sensing a come back they were urged on by the sparse home crowd but to no avail as Marlow saw out the final few minutes.
A satisfied Marlow manager said after the game “That was an excellent result for us, one that we thoroughly deserved. We can look forward to some tough games ahead with some confidence now”
Team
M Ramsey, L Ovens, R Britnell, I Green, N Flint, C Rowley ( Capt), D Buchanan, D Pedley, L Brown, J Flint, O Flint
Subs
G Wiltshire for L Brown 71 minutes
B Filmore for D Buchanan 75 minutes
A Lannaway for Ollie Flint 77 minutes
Scores
M Ramsey 7
L Ovens 7
R Britnell 7
I Green 7
N Flint 7
C Rowley 7
D Buchanan 7
D Pedley 7
L Brown 8
J Flint 8
O Flint 7
Subs
G Wiltshire 7
B Filmore 7
A Lanaway 7
MOM
J Flint