Maidenhead United v Marlow

Steve Beard (20.02.08)

MAIDENHEAD UNITED 4 (1)

MARLOW 1 (1)

Back to winning ways tonight with a good all round performance keeping us in second place and breathing down Henley's necks as they slipped to a 0-0 draw tonight.
Luckily for us the U16's county match was called off this afternoon allowing me to draft Jake Chance, Lee Barney and Andy Wells back into the squad.
Sticking with our 3-4-3 formation we pounced on Marlow early and James Gisbourne opened the scoring in the 4th minute when their keeper spilled the ball and Gizza slotted home. We created some good chances but the ball in the final third was a little lacking.
We allowed Marlow to get back in the game and they had a few good chances but our defence held firm and we hit them on the counter. Sam Lock had a great game in midfield with his searching balls.
I made a change at half time to counter their midfield dominance. This seemed to work as the pressure of the first half did not return. This allowed us more time to hit the channels and get the ball into the box. It was a James Gisbourne cross that found George Lock free in the six yard box. George neatly passed the ball past the outstretched keeper.
Our quick counter was paying dividends as we turned a dangerous situation into a goal some 20 seconds later. Jake Chance won a one on one challenge when he was last man. He fed the right wing back who in turn fed the right sided forward. Gisbourne raced to the byline pulling the ball back for George Lock to rattle home his second.
5 minutes later left wingback, Steve Deverall thundered home a right foot shot into the net from 20 yards. Not bad for a natural left footer.
Once again the pitch was absolutely superb. Well done to Dave and Chris.
Next week we make the short trip to Stag Meadow.

Magpies: Aaron O'Brien, Chris Sargent, Matty Stevenson, Jake Chance, Xaviere Ettienne (60 Lee Barney), Dan Love (45 Andy Wells), Sam Lock, Steve Deverall, James Gisbourne, George Lock, Nathan Lishman (80 Jason Strowger). Unused subs: Jamiesh Holait, George Bond.