AFC Marlow started the game against Masters FC in the same formation that had previously prevented Butlers FC from scoring in the previous round of 4231. The only noticable change to the team was Matt Dutton replaced the ill Dean Oxlade in the centre of midfield.
Within minutes of kick off Adam Brooks raced clear and unselfishly drove a low shot across the goal mouth towards top goal scorer James Turner which the striker couldn't quite get on the end of. Again minutes later an AFC Marlow player (unknown) struck another shot towards the goal which after spilling the save Masters goalkeeper cleared the ball away from the in rushing winger Jamie Piekielniak.
Masters then grabbed their first goal of the game with what can only be classed as 1, 2 touch passing football which pulled the defence all over the park, they then grabbed a second a few minutes later. AFC Marlow although falling two goals behind still played football and got stuck into the tackles. After a poor referee decision Masters were given a free kick 25 yards from goal which resulted in the ball clipping the post and putting us three behind. Masters then grabbed a fourth before half time, most teams that would face the treble winning team from last season would fall apart but not AFC Marlow!
The second half started with Masters almost changing to a 235 formation and at times AFC Marlow struggled to get the ball out there half, James Turner had a couple of good chances in the second half, first with his left which went narrowly wide of the far post and another which hit the side netting before Jonny Watts strike nearly ripped the crossbar off the top of the posts only to see the ball bounce off the line and cleared away to safety. Masters then grabbed a fifth before Grant Oxlade diverted a cross into his own net to make it 6 - 0 to Masters, Masters then grabbed a seventh but still AFC Marlow didn't lie down and still tried to give as good as they got in tackles and blocks.
Was good to see our centre defensive beast, Paul Patterson come off the bench even if it was only for the last 4 minutes to smash a free kick from about 40 yards towards the goal.
The game ended 7-0 to Masters FC which shows the difference between a division four side that formed only six months ago and a premier side that had half a dozen semi pro/ ex semi pro players. Still very proud of my lads to be the only team from division four to make the last sixteen, the scoreline doesn't result in how well everyone played yesterday. Everyone played with pride and passion.
The cup run is over for another year but we still have 13 league games to go in a long season. Ok yesterday was the clubs worst defeat since we formed but we look at the positives and move forward, only way to replace the cup is to win the league!
