AFC Marlow's unbeaten run of 15 games came to an end this morning after losing to Hithercroft FC, 3-0.
From the very start AFC Marlow didn't look favourites for this morning's game. Hithercroft took the lead within the first 25 minutes with a unstoppable strike from the edge of our box. James Turner then won a penalty after out pacing the centre back which drew a late outstretched challenge, the striker then had his spot kick saved by the Hithercroft keeper. The first half consisted of silly fouls being won by the Hithercroft side who were using each foul to there advantage by appealing for every tackle which started to frustrate our player's into make more silly fouls. Ryan Lowe was replaced just before half time with a knee injury and Jordan Phillips came on as his replacement.
H/T: Hithercroft 1-0 AFC Marlow.
Sitting in more of a 4-4-1-1 formation AFC Marlow started the second half a little better than the first. The seccond half then turned into the same as the first with Hithercroft seemingly winning every decision. Hithercroft then grabbed their second of the game with a well timed finish passed out rushing Akerman. Jonny Watts then came on with 30 minutes to go, which saw Dean Oxlade replace his brother Grant at Right Back. Now in an advanced 4-4-2 formation with our wide men supporting Phillips & Turner, AFC Marlow struggled to get half a chance in front of goal and were frustrating forcing long direct balls into our forwards which played into Hithercroft's hands. Hithercroft then sealed their victory with the goal of the game coming from a late substitute, who minutes after coming off the bench, was aloud to chest a clearance down 30 yards from goal and drill the ball straight into the top corner.
F/T: Hithercroft 3 - 0 AFC Marlow.
Only thing we can take from today's disappointing result is that we deserved to lose this game and hopefully this will give us the well deserved wake up call we all deserve. Today's result has seen us drop to 4th in the league, level on points with Chinnor Sports. We also sit 3 points behind the top 3 of Totteridge Albion, Hazlemere Sports & Hithercroft but have a game in hand on the top half of the table.
