Marlow hammer Oxford OBU to wrap up title and promotion in some style

Marlow men’s first team wrapped up the league title - and promotion to the National League - in some style on Saturday with an 8-0 victory over Oxford OBU.

Focused from the off, it took them only two minutes to take the lead through Matt Law, and they continued to strangle the life out of Oxford OBU with further goals from Josh Morgans in the 20th minute and Henry May - with a fine individual goal - just before half-time.

With the game all but won, Marlow played with more freedom in the second half, scoring five more as their opponents capitulated to a heavy defeat. Sam North (above) dispatched a penalty corner to make it four before well-taken goals from Alec Land, Mark Lowden, and Louis Cadinouche and a second goal from Morgans meant that Marlow were able to celebrate promotion in fine style with one of their most impressive wins of the season.

The men’s 2nd team couldn’t follow suit, losing 4-1 at Witney on Saturday, however, the side will hopefully have enough points in the bank to avoid relegation.

Marlow Women’s first team look set for a quick return to the South Central Division after they were beaten 3-1 at home by Exeter on Saturday. Promoted to the National League for the very first time last season, Martha Goodridge’s side have battled hard to eke out points this season. However, this defeat means they simply have to pick up points from their two remaining games to stand a hope of staying up this season.

The Reds started strongly at Pound Lane with Rachel Clarke firing them in front in the opening minutes, however, Exeter replied within minutes and scored twice more in the 26th and 34th minutes to take a stranglehold on proceedings.

Marlow dominated the ball and territory in the second half but failed to capitalise on their chances, with the Exeter keeper pulling off a string of fine saves.

The second team enjoyed a comprehensive 5-0 win over Oxford University 2nds in midweek, with Olivia Letchford scoring a brace and Lenny Conetta, Megan Fulton and Jazzy Elsden also on the scoresheet.

It saw them bounce back from a difficult 1-0 loss to Amersham & Chalfont 2nds on Saturday. The results leave thema point clear at the top of the table but Oxford have a game in hand on them.