After a harsh loss the week before Marlow were looking to get back on track with a win against top of the league highfliers Oxford 1s. Preparations looked promising after an invigorating and somewhat inspiring Neel Sood speech was followed by a master plan. Sam and Kate proudly revealed that the audacious plan included playing three at the back and pushing fresh faced utility player, Nicholas Winter into left forward.

Marlow were under the cosh from the beginning as a smart looking Oxford outfit pressured down the wings sending crosses towards goal forcing a smart save from goal keeper, Ross Bone. This pressure continued for several minutes however the Marlow defense remained strong. Finally, Marlow pushed out of the half and began to exert pressure on the Oxford team however this lead to two swift counter attacks concluding with goals. Unfortunately, Ross Bone was left helpless as the Marlow defense was swamped with Oxford players. Yet, Marlow did not seemed disheartened as they continued to push into the Oxford D with youngster Joshua Morgans having a deflection attempt blocked and Hulse having his shot saved on the line. Again, Oxford counterattacked scoring two goals, breaking Marlow hearts before the stroke of half time. The master plan had crumbled and Marlow reverted back to the classic formation of four at the back.

After a grilling at half time, the game was underway again. However, Marlow started the half as they finished the last conceding two goals within fifteen minutes. Tension grew as a bearded unit bulldozed his way through the Marlow team knocking over Joshua Morgans who bravely won the foul. However, tragedy struck as Andrew Rymer was caught by the same man and he went tumbling onto the turf with a scream holding his groin area. The crowd fell silent, as they held their hearts in their hands, was Rymer going to recover? Swiftly however Rymer flipped himself up to a standing position and ran over to appeal to the Umpire. How had he recovered so quickly? We may never know. After the short interval the game began again and Marlow looked like a much improved team. The match became much more even as Marlow began to attack down the wings, it had just taken Marlow fifty minutes to wake up. The rain continued to poor down, however spirits were not dampened as a penalty flick was awarded in Marlow’s favour. Unfortunately, it was not Marlow’s day as Gerrits attempt was saved.

This did not stop Marlow as they continued to pressure again with Ravenscroft and Jackson combining effectively down the right flank. Soon the team won a short corner. A Nick Winter flick was saved by the opposition goalkeeper drawing the game to a close. As the game finished, fans and players alike wonder about the possibility of Marlow emulating their form in the last twenty minutes at the start of games. If this becomes possible, Oxford 1s will not be relishing the day when Marlow visit them in Oxford. A special mention to Robert-Jan Gerrits who played on through illness, and a congratulations to man of the match Harri Ravenscroft.