Dawid makes a splash after detour to Poland
Marlow FC: Rogalski back and scoring goals in England for the Blues
An inch-perfect 30-yard lob to seal a 4-3 stoppage-time victory is the stuff of dreams for any striker, especially when the goal completes a debut hat-trick in the process, writes Leo Roberts.
After years spent struggling for senior opportunities at Maidenhead United, battling for starts in the Polish lower tiers and hearing that potential heart issues could threaten his career, it likely tastes all the sweeter for Marlow’s new marksman, Dawid Rogalski.
After those opening day heroics were followed by a neatly-taken opener in the Blues’ televised FA Cup tie against Thame United on Saturday, manager Mark Bartley will surely be pleased with his new attacking recruit.
Equally, it’s fair to say that finding success in senior football here has been a long time coming for Rogalski.
After impressing in Maidenhead United’s dominant Allied
Counties Youth League side of 2014/15, senior chances at York Road proved hard to come by for the teenager.
A solitary substitute appearance against Bath City was Rogalski’s only National League South action for the Magpies and soon, despite his ongoing studies in England, the striker considered a move abroad to gain momentum in his career.
A four-year detour to the Polish lower leagues began in 2017, sometimes placing the youngster in front of huge crowds of over
15,000.
With a struggle to break into new club GSK Tychy’s first team, there was likely an early sense of déjà vu, but an 11-goal loan spell with third tier outfit Gryf had clubs queuing for his signature by 2019.
After signing for GKS Katowice, unimaginable disaster almost struck mere weeks later. Scans hinting at a possible heart issue presented a career-threatening prospect for Rogalski, keeping him away from the pitch until further tests fortunately brought welcome results.
Just days after being cleared to play again, the 22-year-old’s turbulent month was concluded with a brace against Skra Czestochowa.
Now, three years later, Rogalski is certainly coming across as an intelligent, complete player upon his return to English soil.
His hat-trick against newly-promoted Walton & Hersham served as a perfect introduction to the Marlow fans, comprising of a typical improvised finish, a welltaken penalty and the inspired stoppage-time lob that prompted elation at Oak Tree Road.
An intelligent dash to the near post saw Rogalski convert Curtis Chapple’s low cross a week later, in front of the BBC cameras covering a 3-1 FA Cup victory for Marlow.
Now, another home tie against Uxbridge awaits in the first qualifying round – and presents a chance for Rogalski to continue his impact just a few miles up the road from Maidenhead United, the club he parted ways with half a decade ago.