29.09.07
Man of the match: John Quinton
Corinthians lined up for this important cup match against old foes, Marlow Utd Reserves, with a strong squad which saw the return of Finbar Mulholland and also gave a place on the bench to Nick Clarkson back from Madrid for the weekend.
The two teams had met in the league only a few weeks ago and the home side were keen to put that poor performance behind them. The game started at a fast pace and Corinthians were making all the initial attacking play. Dan Huggins was being tenacious in midfield, while the wing-back play from Coach Kitten and Drew Warnke was proving a threat. The pressure finally paid off following a neat move out of defence to find Jon Smith on the half way line. The Corinthian striker controlled well, turned and the delivered a fine throughball picking out the run from in-form Dave Hurley to produce a fine finish and gave Corinthians the lead.
While this should have provided the impetus for the home side to build upon, it had the opposite effect. Marlow began finding space and were causing problems with their movement. While Corinthians still threatened on the break, the tide of the game was slowly turning. Finally, following a Corinthian corner, the visitors broke with speed and, fortunate deflection aside, deservedly equalised. The half ended 1-1 and so it gave Corinthians a chance to re-group, discuss tactics and make the forced change in taking off the injured skipper, Don Graves.
The second half started with more pressure from Marlow. They should have in fact scored from a couple of neat moves, one in particular ending with the Corinthians bar being rattled. Corinthians, in particular the ever impressive Jon Quinton and stand-in sweeper, Joe Carters, were battling hard though. This season, more than ever before, Corinthians have relied upon hitting teams on the break and it was through this method of attack that they regained the lead. Finbar Mulholland won the ball well in his own half and passed out wide to Chris Long. He then proceeded to slot a measured diagonal ball through to Jon Smith who pressured the Marlow defence and produced a fine finish. However, Corinthians did not hold the lead long. The ball was given away again in midfield and Marlow took advantage to slot home from close range.
In the previous meeting between the two clubs this season, Corinthians capitulated under pressure. But this match was different. With time running out and the prospect of extra time looming, The Whites took the game to the visitors and forced a couple of corners. The home side sensed that a victory could be achieved and finally the winner came. After some pressure on the edge of Marlow’s area, the ball found its way out on the right to the Man of the Match, Jon Quinton. His forceful run and terrific cross from the by-line was met with a header at the back post by Dave Hurley.
It was a fine win and one which was hard fought. Corinthians have now extended their unbeaten run to 3 games and are slowly coming together as a team. Next week sees the return fixture of Spencers Wood where Corinthians will be looking to take revenge on the earlier loss in the season to get all 3 points.