Chichester 4 - 6 Marlow

Saturday 28th saw Marlow take on Chichester at the opposition’s home ground. After an early rise, the team arrived promptly, Strang looking as ripped as ever!

Chichester have consistently finished in the top 5 in the league above and therefore would prove quite a challenge but perhaps a gauge to the level Marlow are capable of playing.

I will not use the term ‘a game of two halves’ lightly, as this was very much the case. The match was scrappy to begin with. Marlow had a high number of turnovers all over the pitch and chances were missed in front of goal. Chichester capitalised, and soon 2 up at half time.

The second half showed much more of how Marlow should play, ball retention was much higher and turnovers decreased dramatically. There was some great team play that exploited the flanks and enabled the forwards to get in behind the Chichester defence. After the first goal went in, 5 more followed proving that doing the simple things well does actually work!

Being the last of the preseason games, fitness across the squad is perhaps not quite at its peak yet, this showed towards the end of the game with 2 soft goals conceded. Nevertheless, Matt Ashton was superb on the day, scooping the all important man of the match award. Other notable performances from Alex Land and Dave Harding were welcomed, both with goals and assists.

The match finished 6-4, a good win away from home to see off a good Chichester side and successful preseason!

The next day would bring the all important cup game versus National League side Canterbury and will certainly prove the toughest test to date. However if the team turn up determined and Rohit manages to resist the dark temptations of a Saturday night in Shoreditch, then who knows what will happen...

Author - Strangler or Big willy to his closer mates (irony)