Smith scores as Marlow win high intensity clash
Jane Smith scored the only goal of the game as Marlow Ladies 1sts edged out Oxford 1sts in a high-intensity clash on Saturday.
The sides were level on points at the top going into the clash and both were determined to seize the advantage in the title race
Vic Allen shot just wide for the visitors in the early stages, but Smith broke the deadlock in the 18th minute with superb strike from a penalty corner.
Oxford pressed in the second half but couldn't beat Dibs Haisman who made some crucial saves while the defence of Jen Martin, Nat Riches, Carol Easter and player of the match Katy Windsor put in tackle after tackle to keep the hosts at bay.
Marlow's 2nd team were held to a 2-2 draw by Oxford University 2nds in their top of the table clash on Saturday. Collete Fitzpatrick tapped home from a low cross just before the break and Estelle Palmer broke to second their second on the break, however, Oxford netted two goals in quick succession to claim a draw and maintain their place at the top of the table.
Other results saw the 3rds draw 4-4 with Thame 1sts and the 4ths beat Newbury & Thatcham 2nds 2-1. The 5ths lost 3-0 away to Wallingford 3rds.
The men's 1sts did just enough to remain top of the table after being held to a 1-1 draw by South Berks 1sts at Wokingham.
The visitors played poorly in the first half but managed to stay on terms before Callum White added to his season's tally to make it 1-0. The lead lasted only two minutes, however, with the hosts levelling from a short corner. Marlow pressed hard in the latter stages but couldn’t break down their resilient hosts again. The 2nd team created plenty of chances but went down 4-1 to top of the table Aylesbury. Sam Gavin scored his first goal from a May Girn pass at the far post.