Hardie sees red as Rangers ground Blues

James Hardie received his marching orders as a patched-up Marlow United side were beaten 3-0 by leaders Risborough Rangers on Saturday.

Rangers are unbeaten so far this season but James Pritchard’s side are one of only two teams to have taken points off them this season.

However, only four of the United side that held them to a 1-1 draw back in September were available to play on Saturday, with first team coach Adam Dickens dropping back to play at centre half and Zayd, Ait Fahim making his debut for the Flying Blues at only 17.

Lyle Faulkner was in the right place at the right time to tap Rangers in front after only seven minutes and United found themselves further behind just two minutes after the interval when Brian Haule was dragged to the ground and the referee pointed to the penalty spot. Haule picked himself up to beat Cannings to register his 23rd goal of the season, and his 24th of the season followed before the end, shortly after Hardie had been dismissed for collecting two yellow cards.

Ollie Flint was then given 10 minutes in the sin bin for dissent, but United survived any further punishment.

They will look to regroup ahead of Saturday's home game with Thame Rangers.