Battling Masters bow out in Round 3

Marlow had been blessed with home matches for every round in the Men's Masters over the last 2 years - it had to end eventually and the first away draw in history sent Marlow round the M25 to Purley Walcountians on Sunday. With only 12 shopping days until Christmas the 11 that made the journey for Marlow were the true stalwarts of the club over 40's - or otherwise were looking to get out of a Sunday afternoon trudging round the shops!!

Purley were a well organised team who had obviously played together many times before, which was markedly different to the 11 that Marlow had on the pitch who were collected from the best the 3's, 4's and 5's could offer up. Understandably Purley started the stronger and having hit the post and flashed the ball across the D more than once they finally opened the scoring that their pressure deserved.

The goal was a trigger for Marlow to start playing, both centre midfielders Rich Pepperell and Rich Clee pushing forward to fire shots narrowly wide and Gaz Baber smashing a shot into the keeper's chest pad, and Marlow winning their first short corner, which unfortunately came to nothing. Purley still posed a threat however, and scored a second despite a great save from Ivor Crampsie. The rebound was shovelled goal bound and Marlow were convinced they had saved it as both Jerry Fogg and Nick Webb got touches on the shot, the latter hooking the ball off the line (we thought). The umpire was in line and gave a goal - without goal line technology and the option for a referral we'll never know for sure!

Marlow bounced back again, in particular Henry Ormond driving down the left from the back and Andy Sheldon finding space on the right and nearly being put through. In the last minute of the half Marlow got back in it, a 60 yard pass to Bernard Tyler found him 3 yards in the D and his touch followed by a "leave it" shout from the Purley defender resulted in the ball rolling over the line!! Purley argued that the D was obviously 3 yards smaller than the white line showed but to no avail. 2-1 half time and Marlow in the game!

In the second half Marlow needed a good start, but it was Purley who got the ball to the Marlow baseline and despite another great save from Ivor the Purley forward finished well. 3-1. Purley enjoyed a period of pressure at that point with the goal leading a charmed life, 2 shots onto the crossbar and Ivor continuing to make some great saves - surely the 1st team call up can't be far away!! At the other end Marlow kept sniping away though, a huge cheer went up for winning a short corner and a successful routine fired just wide by Tim Frost.

The game ended with a classic comedy moment - Marlow identified the Purley "loose canon" and decided to spend the last 5 minutes reeling him in. First goalie turned right back Andy Downing spent a couple of minutes carrying a running argument up and down the right wing after a strong (fair) tackle, then Jerry took up the debate as the Purley man ran into another fair tackle. The 2 squared up, Jerry raised a hand and placed it on the shoulder of his aggressor, who promptly collapsed under the weight of Jerry's hand!!

As the rest of the 20 players saw the funny side, the 2 assailants were sent from the pitch by the umpires for being "unnecessary" and had to be split up to sit in different naughty corners!!

The game ended at 3-1 and although Purley were deserved winners credit must be given to the spirit and commitment of all 11 Marlow players - i've mentioned them all in the report so their names will be forever recorded in history!! Finally a thanks to Purley and all best wishes for round 4, the game was played in a great spirit and the Sunday Carvery after was almost as good as Dave's Roast Turkey the day before! Almost, but not quite....