Marlow Masters 2 Milton Keynes Masters 1

Another Masters fixture, another home draw for Marlow, making it 7 in a row after last year's campaign ended at the quarter final stage. The conspiracists amongst us would wonder just how Marlow have not left Pound Lane and are now going into the second year of the competition....

....Even so, home advantage notwithstanding, Marlow still needed to win to progress. Milton Keynes were a far stronger visitor than the team that was brushed aside at the same stage last year and have inherited some newly acquired over 40's to give them more energy in midfield. For the first 10 minutes of the game strong running through the middle put Marlow on the back foot and tested the defensive qualities of the home side, a defence which held firm and started to allow Marlow into the game.

As soon as Marlow pushed forward it looked like playing 3 forwards was going to test the MK back line and although Marlow had not enjoyed as much possession as the visitors they did look more like scoring each time they ventured forward. After a few half chances a turn and pass from Rob Walls to Rob Gerrits allowed the latter to fire in a shot - and a Milton Keynes defender was generous enough to put it past his own keeper.

The momentum changed - and just a few minutes later Gerrits broke into the D and found Walls, who in turn chipped a shot over the keeper's legs. It may have been drifting wide so Gaz Baber dived in just to make sure at the far post. 2-0 Marlow, and so it stayed until half time with both sides running out of steam coming into the break.

The next goal would be crucial and Marlow sat comfortably back allowing MK to try and break down a resolute red defence, Rich Clee and Peps were everywhere and Posty controlling the back line. On a number of occasions Marlow sprung forwards and some great interchanges between the forward line just lacked the final touch as Bernard Rob G both had chances. The half wore on, Marlow began to show signs of nerves having not added to the lead and MK pressed forward. Ivor Crampsie was suddenly the busiest man on the pitch, but after a series of great saves and with 8 minutes left the ball refused to leave the D from an MK short corner and their skipper poked home the loose ball.

Time for a rousing comeback? There was, but it didn't come. Marlow came back determined not to throw it away and ended the match going forward. The forward line closed down MK at the back keeping the game in the visitor's half and Marlow even looked more likely to add to the win with a short corner to finish the game. A strong performance against tough opposition and we wish Milton Keynes the best of luck in the shield competition.

So where next? The draw for the next round is on Tuesday 3rd November with the match due to be played Sunday 15th November. Obviously Marlow will be at home as usual!!