Marlow 4s played against Newbury and Thatcham in the graveyard slot. The last time we played them it was with nine players and no goalkeeper so it was nice to start with a full team

It was an even start to the game with both teams testing each other out. Marlow managed to get the first break with Duncan Turner drilling in an early goal (with the slightest touch from Hayden McEwen but there was no way Duncan wasn't having that one!). Marlow kept up the attack with Ben Ferguson again showing great composure on and off the ball to control the attacks

The opposition had put in a few attacks on goal but Alex Coates made some great saves to keep them at bay. Andy Parsons and Andy Hirst were at the back snuffing out the attacking threat coming from Newbury. Marlow went into the break 1-0 up with the game still too tight to call

The second half started with Marlow looking to get a quick goal and were rewarded when Bernard Tyler got on the end of a fast hit into the D to put the ball up in the roof of the net. Marlow were 2-0 up but Newbury quickly came back at us with attack after attack on goal

Alex Coates took everything that was thrown at him and was able to prevent Marlow from conceding a goal. It was almost looking like the 4s were going to get that most elusive of things, a clean sheet

There was still time for James Hirst, playing in the unusual position of right half rather than left back, to chase and recover a ball that looked a lost cause. He whipped it across the D and Bernard Tyler just sent the ball narrowly wide. So close!

Marlow managed to see out the remainder of the game with Alex Coates putting in a couple more exceptional saves. The final score was 2-0 and Marlow 4s had managed to get that clean sheet at long last. Great result!