Marlow's Women salvage National League place with final day win over Swansea

Kerri Smith

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Marlow Women’s first team produced a sterling final day display to salvage their place in the National League Conference West next season at the expense of rivals Swansea, who they defeated 3-0 at Pound Lane.

Marlow’s hopes of survival were hanging by a thread heading into the final day of the season. They simply had to win to avoid returning to the South Central Division league’s and this they managed with one of their most complete performances this season.

The first quarter was a cagey affair and neither Marlow nor Swansea were able to play fluently given the importance of the clash.

However, Marlow were able to calm those nerves somewhat when Kerri Smith opened the scoring, slotting the ball past the Swansea keeper after a great piece of skill and well-weighted cross from Martha Goodridge.

Smith scored her second goal just four minutes later to give the home side much-needed breathing space in the match and on the scoreboard.

Swansea pressed to get back into the game - and created their fair share of chances on the counterattack - however, Reds’ keeper Alys Ramm and central defenders Sophie Apletree and Emily Thatcher kept their composure to thwart any hopes of a comeback.

Marlow’s final goal came late into the third quarter with a strike from Jess Rees that was deflected in at the back post by Mia Cranfield.

These three points for Marlow ensured they’ll be playing National League level hockey again next season - a fabulous achievement in their first campaign at that level. There were contrasting emotions from the Swansea players however, as the realisation dawned on them that they would be relegated from the division.

Marlow Women’s 2nd team capped off a fantastic season with a 1-0 away win at Thame on Saturday.

Holly Lochead scored the game’s only goal, tapping home from close range from a corner routine.

The three points - combined with results elsewhere - mean Marlow are promoted to South Central Premier Division 2 as champions.

Other results saw the women’s 3rd team lose 5-0 to Wycombe 2nds, the 4ths defeat Newbury & Thatcham 3rds 3-1 away, the 5ths defeat Wallingford 3rds 4-2, the 6ths draw 1-1 with Sonning 4ths and the 7ths lose 2-1 to Wallingford 4ths.

Having secured promotion last weekend, Marlow Men’s 1st team had to roll up their sleeves and grind out all three points away to Staines on Saturday.

Staines have proved difficult opponents in the past and they once again forced Marlow to dig deep to claim victory.

A cagey start produced few chances for either side, however, Marlow broke the deadlock with a nice finish from Chris Brown.

The Reds then dominated the second period and got their second goal from a penalty corner through Sam North.

Staines hit back to ensure a tense finish, but the visitors held on for a hard-earned victory in an enjoyable and competitive clash.

The men’s 2nd team were beaten at home by Oxford Hawks 2nds on Saturday but results elsewhere mean they are now assured of their place in Premier Division 2 next season.

Other results saw the third team defeat Staines 2nds 3-0, the 4ths beat Newbury & Thatcham 3rds 3-1 away, the 5ths lose 2-1 to Reading 5ths, the 6ths draw 1-1 with Maidenhead 3rds and the 7ths defeat Wycombe 5ths 8-1 away.