Saturday started with an air of trepidation. It was the start of the season and a new captain was taking over the mantle of the 4s from the able stewardship of Andy Hirst. His name is Mark Doran but just call him ‘Scouse’ as and when he’s on the pitch.

It was a strong side that was selected made up of a good mix of senior and junior members of the club facing an OMT side that were going to give us a good test. The sun was shining, the birds were singing and OMT chose to play into the sun. That was handy as that was the side I would have chosen had I won the toss.

The first half started rapidly with good build up play from midfield. It wasn’t long until the forward dynamo that is Bernard Tyler got onto the score sheet with an early goal. Here we go! Unfortunately OMT hadn’t read the script and make a rapid response with an equaliser. Time for Marlow to get their heads up, keep their shape and get this game back in their control.

It didn’t take long until the mighty Bernard Tyler responded getting a sweet strike that rippled the back of the net before the first half was over. The crowd went wild! Marlow headed into the break 2-1 up with good play all over the pitch and an easy half time talk. The positional play by everyone was excellent with good width being offered across the pitch by the midfield and forwards.

The second half started with OMT coming back at us trying to get an equaliser but the defence stood up to continued attacks from OMT with Ed Tyler and James Hirst providing great link up play to the midfield.

Max Ellis had a great spell in goal keeping out the attacks of OMT and ensuring he ran out to clear his goal lines ably supported by the indispensable Andy Hirst.

The impressive Michael Henderson-Sowerby went on a one man wrecking mission from the centre back position to get Marlows third goal supported by Greg Tyler and Thomas Jackson. Centre back, midfielder and striker all in one man. What a package!

As the game went on there were a few tired legs on both sides but Bernard and Greg Tyler still had the running in them to put some of the training session that week into practice. It was great to see the team considering other options than just shooting as soon as we got into the opposition D.

Duncan Turner who kept running through the game up front then wrapped up with a final goal for Marlow to give a convincing victory for the home side and a good excuse to pop back to the club house for a celebratory pint!