Marlow United Football Club

In difficult windy conditions on top of the hill, that is the Alfred Major ground, United worked tirelessly with no reward for a performance that was at least worthy of a share of the points.

Its important to be objective, which isn’t so easy due to the necessary bias that filters through the game, but being as objective as is possible there were many good signs to be gleaned from this defeat to our closest neighbours and rivals, there were also some negatives that may now be well behind us, which in itself can be another positive to take from the match itself.

First the negative; There used to be a saying within the club that if you didn’t bleed the blue of United then we didn’t want you, no matter how good you may be. Many fine United teams have been built on that very principle. Good players are team players and that is the bedrock that has brought this little club so much success over the years against all of the odds. I’m considering bringing the ‘cut’ test back next week but fortunately I know it’s not necessary and I would end up drowning in a sea of blue. Those who don’t wish to bleed blue should go, and go now.

The positives? There were many, yes really! I was stood with Scott (Benyon), Leigh (Mason) and James (Flint) prowling the touchline, there eagerness to join the fray was tangible. Scott who has returned from yet another long-term injury was actually on the bench but not used. Scott is a class act and its right to be careful with him and get him back to match fitness slowly but very surely. Leigh reports that his awaited operation is put back now until April and is considering an early return until the due date. Marvellous news! But as with Scott we have to be responsible and sensible as we will need these two fine players for the longer-term challenges that lay ahead of us. James returns to the squad for the visit of Woodcote next Saturday and is a timely boost for the football club. James still holds the record for the youngest player ever to win the senior golden boot award at just 15 years old. So three good reasons to be cheerful!

On the pitch it was good to see Ben (Filmore) show signs of his old self. Ben has, by his high standards, had a lean season so far but I’ve seen this kid ping balls around at Hellenic Premier Division level for fun and we all know what a focussed and determined Ben Filmore can do, more please Ben! The at long last return of Ollie Flint will bring its rewards for sure. Ollie has been out of action, voluntarily, for 4-5 months so his first full game in a United shirt for around 2 year’s was a welcome sight. This fine player brings much to the table.

Mustn’t forget Ross (Middleton) who had to stand in at short notice for an ill Nick Flint and played the sweeper role with aplomb. Doug Buchanan who stands head and shoulders. Not to mention other players is not disrespectful to their efforts as I could find fault with nobody yesterday, well almost nobody.

At the start of this current season we were looking to re-establish ourselves in the senior division with a top 6 place seen as highly respectable. Some early results raised expectation levels and this was wrong of us. We are a growing force, not yet tangibly so, but a growing force nevertheless. There is still time to achieve our original objective and we do have a quarter final and possible return to the Madejski Stadium to look forward to, so much to play for, and yes we really can grow into the challenges that lay ahead of us.

We are about to turn the corner of that I’m convinced and yes that is an objective view, tinged, with slight emotivity as well!

Next week will the real United stand up please?