Draw with Chipstead will be 'a point gained' come the end of the season
Marlow dropped points for the first time this season but boss Marvin Bartley believes that a draw against Chipstead may well be a point gained come the end of the season, writes Ben Hart.
Bartley’s team had won their opening five league fixtures before Tuesday night’s game but were denied another three points as a result of ‘fluke’ Chipstead equaliser.
“The players hated the fact that we conceded a non-deliberate goal. As a manager I think you can concede those kind of goals at any time. So
Nnamdi Nwachuku opened the scoring after 40 minutes before Marlow were pegged back with just over an hour played.
“When we take the emotion out of the situation we’ll look back on that and say it’s not a bad point.
“If we play like that all season we’ll be there or thereabouts.”
At the weekend, Marlow tasted cup success with a 1-0 victory over FC Romania in the FA Trophy First Qualifying Round.
Nwachuku was again on the scoresheet as Marlow overcame an early setback when defender Adam Richards was given a straight red card.
Bartley changed the team’s shape at half-time to give Marlow more of an attacking threat believing they had the defensive stability to keep FC Romania at bay despite their man advantage.
“We took everything they had to offer, worked out what they were doing and were able to slow them down.
“It’s good to continue to make progress in the FA competitions as it brings some money to the club and that’s important.”
Marlow have been drawn against Westfield in the second round, a team they beat 1-0 in the league earlier this season.
“We’ll take anyone at home. The draw gives us a great chance to progress.”
Attention turns to the league this weekend for the visit of Ashford Town, with Bartley hopeful of a return to winning ways.
“If you want to win the league you have to win these games. Three points is all we’re thinking about.”