The fixtures brought out for this weekend ....... 4 of the top 5 clubs playing each other, at the same place... Rosedale College, Hayes. Firstly Marsh took on Indian Gymkhana, then Hounslow Wanderers took on Interwood. (Interwood won 4 -2).
Gymkhana started off “fast" and Marsh had to be alert in defence to stem the flowing attacks. Marsh then began to “believe" in themselves. Craig Drew & Phil Tubb were outstanding in defence, and keeper Adam Casey was in tre mendous form, determined not to let anything go past him. Two "magnificent" one on one saves stand out in the mind. Craig led a tight defence leaving Gymkhana very little space to play in. The midfield was quick to pick up any loose balls whilst the forward line looked perhaps not deadly but certainly lively. Mat Monhon & Bradley Grant fought & chased for everything, putting the Gymkhana defence under severe pressure ...... as their language suggested !!!!!. Alex Henderson, by his high standards, had a lesser chance to show his skill, whilst Jack Bigwood & Jonny Wiggins overlapped very well. Tommy Edwards, as is expected of him these days, along with Daniel Lobjoit and Harrison Ashby, ran their bodies into the ground in pursuit of stopping Gymkhana getting going. Gymkhana are still one of the better sides in the League, so this took some doing. Just before half time Marsh gained the upper hand when a goal bound effort was cleared by the hand of a Gymkhana defender, who made matters worse by arguing with the Referee and ended up being sent off. Amidst a flurry of ill feeling players, Jonny Wiggins stepped up and saw his penalty saved by the Gymkhana keeper.
At half time it was still 0 – 0, but Marsh now had a man advantage. A nip & tuck change to Marsh by sly old manager Dave and Marsh were now on top. Early on, a flurry in the Gymkhana area led to TOMMY EDWARDS firing the ball home. This appeared to be only the opener, but a number of near misses later Marsh ran out
1 – 0 winners. Never mind, this was enough in a tough top of the table clash between two very good sides. The whole Marsh team played well, including the substitutes, and choosing a Man of the Match was difficult.
Reported by Clive Goodman.