Match report - U18s Boys Cup, Maidenhead v Marlow, 20th November 2022

It is fair to say we expected a tough game today. The sun was shining and we embarked up on the challenge of playing a strong squad of Marlow players. Our first half was the best half of the game. We were focused and had the opportunity to both attack and defend. Marlow pressured well, but nothing that the Maidenhead boys couldn’t handle - initially at least.

The first short corner won by Marlow was converted into a goal. 1-0 to our hosts. The second short corner was saved well by Tyler. Maidenhead were coping well under the intense Marlow press. However. Just before half time Marlow won a penalty flick, which they scored. 2-0 to Marlow. Just before half time, Marlow won another short corner, which we defended well & went into the half time whistle 2-0 down.

The second half started fast and we were hoping to keep up our record of not conceeding a goal or at least scoring one. There were a number of short corners that Maidenhead defended really well.

The Marlow team regrouped and outside of set play, managed to score another goal. 3-0. Followed swiftly by another goal from a short corner. 4-0. The next goal came after a strong passage of play from the Marlow team. 5-0.

Eventually, our hard work paid off and we won our first short corner. It was a shame not to convert this, but the Marlow keeper saved a great attempt. In the final throws of the match, Marlow won another short corner, saved by Tyler.

There were elements of really strong play by the Maidenhead team - Jack, Liam and Joseph worked hard to get opportunities to give us a chance to score. We kept playing and didn’t give up in the face of tough opposition. Victor worked hard throughout and wasn’t phased by taking on the more experienced Marlow team.

Shout outs to Tyler, Max and Luke for great defending against a very well organised Marlow team, particularly in their set play.