"Ha, they're not gonna win any games this season." The immortal words of the Reading player, who shall remain anonymous, as he strolled off the Sonning Lane pitch following their 5-1 victory over a disorganised and under-strength Marlow team in the 2017/18 season opener. The superior technical ability of Reading's junior internationals and Single-System badgers seemed to have paid off with their comprehensive display. Few Reading players would have disputed the accuracy of his statement, as the Marlow team, having lost their all-conquering captain Josh Morgans, looked lost at multiple points during the game. Despite their not inconsequential energy and desire, Marlow had lost their first league game, and for some outsiders, it likely looked as if the season could end up being a write-off.

After the outstanding victory against Horsham in the first round of the EH Cup, fate seemed to be against Marlow, as they were drawn against the national league powerhouse that is Reading HC. With their host of junior internationals and Futures Cup players, they look as good on paper as any side in the country, let alone the David of our story, Marlow HC.

On a glorious November Sunday, with the odds stacked against them, Marlow took to their Pound Lane turf with steely determination, ready to give their all for the badge above their hearts. With Kate Porter back in her natural habitat, the sideline, there was undoubtedly a buzz about the squad as the first whistle blew. Not long after the 3:30 pushback, Marlow were launching attack after attack deep into the Reading 23. After some valiant PCD defence from Reading, Marlow took the lead with a defence-splitting pass to Ollie Cadinouche's brother, who calmly put the ball past the keeper with a low reverse strike. This didn't seem to wake Reading up from their slumber, and with another PCA opportunity came another goal, as Marlow's only half-decent player and second choice drag-flicker, Tom Sheldon, weakly looped the ball into the back of the net. 2-0 Marlow. It wasn't long after this that Nico 'Kate made me cry' Cheesman added his own name to the scoresheet, with a fantastic close range finish. Despite their outstanding play so far, Marlow switched off in defence, and Reading made it 3-1, before rapidly reducing Marlow's lead to 1 goal with a controversial goal from outside the circle, which Max '#5goalsin1game' Ellis decided to leave to go off the backline. Fortunately for Marlow, it wasn't long until their Pirlo-esque talisman, Tom Sheldon, popped up again, with a surprisingly good drag-flick not only reaching the goal, but inexplicably crossing the line too.

As the second half began, all of their desire and energy seemed to have deserted Marlow, as they limply allowed Reading back into the game, making it 4-3, with most of the half still ahead of them. With a big effort required to stay on top of the game, it was the youthful and enigmatic Charlie Thrush who stepped up, working his way with outlandish pace and skill following a successful PCD defence from Big Dragflick Nick. Perhaps more surprising was Louis Cadinouche passing the ball back to him on several occasions, as they made their way from circle to circle. Not one Reading player was able to prevent this masterpiece which ended up in the back of the net, courtesy of a Louis Cadinouche finish sweeter than any Pain au Chocolat. Marlow's 'putting a game to bed' ability was severely lacking however, and Reading came back to 5-5, with Reading displaying fantastic footwork to reduce Marlow's lead, and then fairly decent pace on the counter attack to put their 5th goal in and level the scores. Ever the crowd-pleasers, it looked as if Marlow had been too entertaining for their own good. As the second half wore on, it almost looked as if fate was indeed against Marlow, and that Reading would push on for more goals. This was not to be however, as our very own goal-scoring Houdini, Cameron Bee-C stung Reading where it hurts, with a model deflection that Jonny Grint would be proud of. Following this, Marlow kept the pressure on, with phenomenal defensive work from Ed 'Greg's brother' Tyler, and more magical, deceptive dribbling from Jules.

Euphoria ensued at the final whistle, with the final score reading David 6-5 Goliath. In the post-match interviews, MOM Tom Sheldon could find no words to describe his joy, Kate Porter had lost her voice from shouting, and DOD Max Ellis breathed a sigh of relief.