Ovenden: Marlow treated Reading to 'a bit of real non-league football'

Photo credit: Joshua James (f8digitalmedia.com)

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Captain Chris Ovenden believes Marlow needed to treat Reading to ‘a bit of real non-league football’ in order to book their place in the Berks & Bucks Senior Cup final.

On Tuesday evening, the Blues elbowed the young Royals out of the competition via a penalty shootout at an ecstatic, fan-filled Oak Tree Road.

Ovenden ensured the tie needed to be settled on spot kicks with a dramatic 90th minute equaliser, with Khalid Simmo (32’) and Kelvin Ehibhatiomhan (4’, 74’) both scoring beforehand.

In the shootout, Mark Bartley’s men emerged 5-4 winners in the shootout and will find out next week whether they face Bracknell Town or MK Dons in the final hosted at Ascot United.

Reflecting on the semi-final to the Advertiser earlier this week, skipper Ovenden said: “Everyone wanted to play against such a big football club from the local area. We were all were very excited by the challenge on a Tuesday night under the lights with a big crowd expected.

“We’ve been working hard in the league so it was a welcome break to try and get ourselves in a final, and we knew we had to treat them to a bit of real non-league football if we were going to get there.

“Naturally, it was a slight blow to concede so early to Reading but we’ve proven this year time and time again we never give up and fight to the end, so always had that belief we could get back into it.

“In fairness, at half-time, we were all very comfortable and confident. We had a good half and bar their penalty at the start we didn’t feel too troubled and knew we had more chances in us if we stuck to the gameplan. Having the crowd behind us definitely gave us that extra push.

“It was a fantastic atmosphere, the lads behind the goal were superb and really helped spur us on. Once that ball hit the back of the net, I knew there was only one place I was celebrating and that was with them. Having the chanting and flares going off, it was great to see their passion for us to do well. Hopefully we can keep them coming for the rest of the season.”

Ovenden added: “We knew the game would go straight to penalties and having had success in a shootout against Thatcham in the earlier round we had confidence which I think plays a big part in it.

“In fairness to Barts (Mark Bartley) he gave us some good advice before we took them – take the shot in our time and take a deep breath – which seemed to work. Having a ‘keeper like Watto (Aaron Watkins) in goal too, we knew he would do his job and save a couple. He was actually disappointed he didn’t save more.

“It’s a great achievement. This set of lads have been unbelievable this year. We had a reset in the summer with a large turnover of players and a lot of younger players coming in playing this level for the first time. One thing I’d say is the team morale has been so positive throughout with everyone pulling in the same direction to hopefully achieve as much as we can come the end of the season.”

Marlow return to league action this Saturday, facing bottom of the Isthmian League South Central Division Tooting and Mitcham United at home.