Marlow Dukes Over 50s maintained their 100% record and stayed top of the table after a hard fought 3-1 win over Royal Wootton Bassett Town Over 50s. The Dukes took an early lead only to be pegged back by a Kenny Campbell goal for Bassett. However, the home side struck twice more to eventually take the spoils.
Bassett manager Paul Gardner set his team up to both contain the free scoring Dukes and pose a threat at the other end.
Marlow may have thought they were in for another goalfest to rival their 15-0 demolition of North Leigh Red the previous week, when they took an early lead this time out. A high ball towards the edge of the area was contested by Bassett defender Paul Jack but the ball skimmed off his head and fell perfectly in the box for the Marlow number 7 to fire into the bottom corner.
The visitors did not buckle and soon hit back. A pinpoint pass from Bryan Wood picked out the run of wide man Kenny Campbell, who calmly lifted the ball over the stranded 'keeper to tie the game up at 1-1. Campbell was injured in the act of scoring and had to be replaced by debutant Bob (don't know his surname!). Jason Parr pushed up to wide left midfield with Bob slotting in at left back.
Both sides continued to create chances and Jason Parr from close range and Eddie Stephenson twice from distance tested the home goalkeeper. Marlow also had efforts both on and off target and it seemed as if the first half would end all square.
Unfortunately for the visitors, Marlow pounced on a defensive lapse with just three first half minutes left on the clock. Bassett right back Martyn Purcell misdirected his headed clearance which fell kindly to the Marlow number 9. He took a touch and hit a low shot towards the bottom right hand corner which Stephens, diving to his left was unable to keep out, despite getting a hand to it. It was a gut wrenching moment for Bassett which meant a 2-1 lead for Marlow going into the break.
Bassett manager Paul Gardner brought on Mike Rouse to play the lone striker role in place of Roger Webb who switched to right back for the second period.
The game continued to ebb and flow after the restart. Stephens saved well from distance getting behind a firmly struck low shot and gathering at the second attempt.
Bassett were however eventually undone by another defensive slip. A raking centre reached Roger Webb but his headed clearance failed to clear the area and a Marlow player fired it back towards goal, where the home number seven was on hand to steer home inside the six yard box.
At 3-1 down Bassett could have folded in the remaining twenty minutes but they tried to get back into the game and Gary Brum entered the fray with Ted Keep and Mike Rouse forming a three-pronged attack in the closing stages.
Mike Rouse saw his efforts blocked, Jason Parr drove a shot wide, Eddie Stephenson hit a free kick on target, and Jeremy Smith hit a great curling effort that the keeper had to paw around the post with both hands.
Marlow for their part went close to scoring a fourth goal. A free kick bounced up and away off Stephens' chest, they had another effort ruled out for offside, and Stephens also spread himself expertly to block a shot in a one on one encounter.
At the final whistle of a pulsating game Marlow had just about done enough to deserve victory, but Bassett had made them work hard for it.
Man of the Match: Eddie Stephenson - the big man covered a huge amount of ground on the day, winning headers on halfway and in his own penalty area. He also passed it well, tackled strongly and had several decent goal attempts. Eddie really left nothing out there this time round. A truly monumental effort from him ably supported by everyone in a Bassett shirt. Well done Eddie!
Credit: Ceri Stephens
Last modified on Monday 25th October 2021 at 09:22
