An above average crowd, in “SUNSHINE" yes Sunshine, witnessed this encounter between the two teams equal 2nd in the Premier Division. This match was a credit to both sides who played good educated football whilst other teams had their matches postponed due to the previous heavy weather.
Marsh kicked off and played an educated game, whilst Hounslow approached the match with a faster approach. Initially both sides were able to play their game but Marsh started to grow in stature as time went on. After around 15 minutes Marsh had an effort that hit the post, but shortly afterwards Jack Bigwood in a wide position crossed to ALEX HENDERSON who took his time and blasted home. Hounslow were now on the back foot and Marsh kept the pressure on. It was therefore no surprise when Marsh scored again. Bradley Hand passed the ball to ALEX HENDERSON who lobed the Hounslow keeper. He was “on fire" and caused many problems to the Hounslow defence. In the Marsh defence Harry Thomas, yet again, shone and was once again part of a Marsh defence that was giving nothing away. Craig Drew covered well and although picked up an injury later on would probably have been in the running for Man of the Match if he hadn’t. Adam Casey, in goal, had little to do but still had to stay alert. Marsh went in with a 2 – 0 half time lead.
Hounslow were expected to throw everything at Marsh, and did. If the first half was edged by Marsh the second certainly belonged to Hounslow. Marsh never gave up but were always just that little behind Hounslow. A number of chances were missed, and Marsh did muster numerous efforts of their own but Hounslow always looked the dominant second half team. After 27 minutes a fierce shot from Hounslow was somehow turned away by a fantastic save from Adam Casey to deny Hounslow yet again. 3 minutes later .... The ball was turned into the Marsh net and Hounslow were back in this match. Harry Thomas needed to lift his defenders, and Daniel Lobjoit held the midfield steady for Marsh. Tommy Edwards, having a quiet match by his standards, blasted in a shot that was just tipped away. Paul Nolan had been introduced into the fray and appearing not fully fit turned in another good performance.
Marsh held out, whilst mustering their own rare attacks, and Alex Henderson still causing a number of problems to Hounslow, to secure the match.
NOTE:: These two teams still have to play each other twice in the League which promise to be “excellent" if this match was anything to go by. Most of the crowd also went home happy, having seen a very good match.
Reported by Clive Goodman