08.09.07
Man of the match: Andy Stranks
Whether it was the fact that AFC Corinthians were playing their 3rd game in a week or if it was something else unexplainable but there was a lack of energy, spirit and cohesiveness in their match with old foes, Marlow United Reserves.
The game started brightly for Corinthians, however, and after a frantic first ten minutes, the home side took the lead. A lovely through ball was delivered to Drew Warnke, who had made a great run splitting the Marlow defence. After steadying himself, the keeper made a good save only to see the rebound put away by new signing, Dave Hurley. The lead did not last long sadly.
Marlow were well organised and finding space all over the pitch when the pressure finally told against an injury-ravaged Corinthian side. A low, powerful cross was turned into the Corinthians own net by an unlucky Jon Quinton. Then 5mins later, a moment of individual class by their striker unlocked the home side’s defence once again when he flicked the ball over a defender to volley home from 12 yards. This was closely followed by another excellent piece of skill by the same player who twisted and turned to create himself space inside the box to finish well. Corinthians looked shaken by going 3-1 down after taking the early lead. However, they started to try and string a few passes together and forced a few corners and a good save from the Marlow keeper. If it was not for a very dodgy offside decision to rule out a finish by Warnke, the course of events that afternoon could well have been different. But as it was Corinthians went into the half time break still 2 goals behind.
After a stirring half-time team talk by Joff Charters, currently out injured with a broken foot, the lads entered the 2nd half with high expectations of getting back into the match. What followed, though, was as forgettable performance by a Corinthian side in recent memory. The team suffered from injuries, a lack of cohesion, bad passing, and little desire to go and win the game. If it was not for the excellent goal keeping display from Andy Stranks, the margin of defeat could have been embarrassing.
As it was Corinthians had some pressure and a few decent attempts at goal, but nothing to really trouble Marlow. The visitors finally added a fourth mid-way into the second half to end a disappointing day for Corinthians, who will now have to re-group and put this display behind them if they want to pick up all 3 points against the unknown opposition, Hurst, on Monday evening.