Although with a well below performance, Marsh were still far too good for mid table Div One side HILLINGDON. From the opening Marsh were in control, and it stayed the whole match. Hillingdon were a good Div One side but nothing more. Hillingdon have a good set up, with many coaching staff, and players that want to play for them but when it came to a match of skill .......... Marsh had QUALITY.
Marsh seemed to use this as a warm up match for their Semi-Final, next week, in the County Cup. It was not the idea but that was how it developed. It became very routine, and a run out. Miles Wiggins made his comeback, and put in a good performance, whilst some others were rested. Alex Henderson, although it should be said not at his finest, was far above anything offered by Hillingdon. Craig Drew shone in defence, and made some useful runs in attack. Jack Bigwood kept moving the ball well, and whipped in some awesome crosses. Bradley Hand is getting better all the time in his attacking role, and when fully match fit could be awesome. Adam Casey, in goal, had very little to do but when called upon made saves look easy. Steven Cloherty slotted back in as if he had not been away, and Tommy Edwards even if below par, showed his undoubted skill. It was absolutely no surprise when Marsh took the lead. Good midfield play followed by an excellent pass from Tommy Edwards to JACK BIGWOOD to fire home the opener. Only a very short time after, BRADLEY HAND finished off some excellent interchanging play by Marsh with a low header into the goal. SOMEHOW .... just before half time Hillingdon were awarded a penalty ?????? Not sure who touched any of the Hillingdon players but the Referee awarded the penalty. Hillingdon took it well and scored. Marsh did not seem unduly worried, although the spectators may have been.
The second half saw a little improvement in Hillingdon, but Marsh continued to dominate without breaking into second gear. Alex Henderson continued to cause problems to what often seemed a static Hillingdon side, whilst Paul Nolan gathered useful playing time after being out for a long time. Midway through the half, following excessive Marsh pressure, TOMMY EDWARDS slotted home one of his own trademark goals. Shortly afterwards he departed the field to a loud applause from the watching spectators. It was only a little respite for Hillingdon as his replacement, Jamie Fanning carried on the good work. All credit to Hillingdon but Marsh were always looking forward to next week’s County Intermediate Cup Semi-Final Match, and warmed up in style.
Reported by Clive Goodman.