Not for a number of seasons have MARSH RANGERS F.C. been unbeaten going a number of matches into the season. This shows the “new“ standard of Player we have in the Club, plus the training from manager Dave Campbell & Chief Coach Tony Heath. Well Done Lads. !!!
With Dave Campbell away, scouting, Tony Heath took control of the Team today. The match got under way with Marsh on the attack, forcing Stonewall onto the back foot. After only 4 minutes, and a number of attacks, excellent team work ending in a superb chip over the advancing Stonewall keeper by BRADLEY GRANT put Marsh ahead. Marsh were well on top BUT appeared to take things too easy. With more wasted chances to their name Marsh allowed Stonewall back into the game. Slack play in defence, for once, let Stonewall race through and with keeper Adam Casey slow off his line found himself beaten to the ball which was lobbed over him for the equaliser. Marsh, under the captaincy of Phil Tubb in the absence of Harry Thomas, again raised their game and, it must be said, looked a useful set up. Although Marsh were below par, they were the better side on the day. After a further number of attacks, and misses, Alex Henderson gathered the ball inside his own half .He raced down the wing jinking past defenders until reaching the goal line where he cut the ball further into the middle where TOMMY EDWARDS collected the ball & fired in such an exquisite shot that the Stonewall keeper could only admire it going past him.
Although Marsh were now settled, and well on top, they were still sometimes sluggish, and just before the whistle for half time Stonewall fired in a shot that crashed against the Marsh post, and away to safety. Harrison Ashby had played an excellent game, and is fitting into the side well. He seems to be getting better each time he plays. Miles Wiggins covered almost every inch of the pitch, while Phil Tubb again had an outstanding match in the heart of the defence. Adam Casey made up for the earlier mistake with a couple of outstanding one on one saves. Jack Bigwood, although perhaps needing a little more fitness training, is another player making great strides.
MAT MONHON, who replaced Bradley Grant for the second half, was not going to be outshone and halfway through the half received the ball in the Stonewall area, controlled it, composed himself and fired home a blaster of a goal. That was the goal Marsh needed. With Alex Henderson running riot down the wing, and Phil Tubb in outstanding form, Marsh knew they were safe, and they were
In fact,as a linesman admitted after the match, the score should have been 4 - 1 as he was not quick enough to award Alex Henderson a goal that was subsequently confirmed by their keeper to have crossed the goal line.
They now move to 3rd in the table and are still unbeaten.
Reported by Clive Goodman