Marlow
1
Palmer (84)
Slough Town
2
Gane (47), Young (80)
Friendly
Richard Strong
SLOUGH Town lifted their spirits following a run of five games without a win by beating Marlow in the Marlow Invitation Cup last Thursday to end the season on a bright note.
Marlow battled hard and, apart from an unnecessary booking when player manager Phil Jarratt showed dissent, they gave an excellent account of themselves.
But the Athenian League side eventually found Slough's superior skill and fitness too much for them.
Even though Mick Kiely and Dave Russell were injured, Slough manager Joe Arpino could still afford to leave out regular right back Tim Turl and experiment with Richard Strong in this position.
Strong looked more impressive in this role than he had in recent matches in mid-field and at centre-half.
Yet Slough were occasionally caught flat-footed at the back. Marlow could have taken the lead in the fourth minute when Barry Baker, having been put clear by Barry Wanless, dribbled past advancing keeper Teale. But Baker tried to pass back to Wanless instead of shooting and the chance was lost.
Slough did most of the attacking after this and made several lively raids down the right flank with Strong and Lee both getting over menacing crosses which Metcalfe headed narrowly off target.
Further Slough pressure led to Guildford clearing off the line and Cooke firing inches over the bar. But Marlow also had their moments and Palmer twice went desperately close.
Slough needed a goal to confirm their superiority and it came with the second-half only two minutes old. Lee pulled the ball back from the left despite being heavily tackled and Gane drove it low into the net.
Marlow fell further behind in the 80th minute. Friend's corner from the right was flicked on by Mackay and Young headed home at the far post.
But four minutes later Marlow replied when Jarrett deflected a Wanless cross to Palmer who promptly knocked the ball past Teale from close range.
Keeper Holliday then prevented Slough from regaining a two-goal advantage by pulling off a brilliant save to foil Strong who had dived full length to get his head to Lee's centre.
Marlow battled hard and, apart from an unnecessary booking when player manager Phil Jarratt showed dissent, they gave an excellent account of themselves.
But the Athenian League side eventually found Slough's superior skill and fitness too much for them.
Even though Mick Kiely and Dave Russell were injured, Slough manager Joe Arpino could still afford to leave out regular right back Tim Turl and experiment with Richard Strong in this position.
Strong looked more impressive in this role than he had in recent matches in mid-field and at centre-half.
Yet Slough were occasionally caught flat-footed at the back. Marlow could have taken the lead in the fourth minute when Barry Baker, having been put clear by Barry Wanless, dribbled past advancing keeper Teale. But Baker tried to pass back to Wanless instead of shooting and the chance was lost.
Slough did most of the attacking after this and made several lively raids down the right flank with Strong and Lee both getting over menacing crosses which Metcalfe headed narrowly off target.
Further Slough pressure led to Guildford clearing off the line and Cooke firing inches over the bar. But Marlow also had their moments and Palmer twice went desperately close.
Slough needed a goal to confirm their superiority and it came with the second-half only two minutes old. Lee pulled the ball back from the left despite being heavily tackled and Gane drove it low into the net.
Marlow fell further behind in the 80th minute. Friend's corner from the right was flicked on by Mackay and Young headed home at the far post.
But four minutes later Marlow replied when Jarrett deflected a Wanless cross to Palmer who promptly knocked the ball past Teale from close range.
Keeper Holliday then prevented Slough from regaining a two-goal advantage by pulling off a brilliant save to foil Strong who had dived full length to get his head to Lee's centre.