Marlow seal shootout win to tee up tie with rivals Maidenhead or Slough
Marlow are through to the second round of the Berks & Bucks Senior Cup after a thrilling tie with league rivals Thatcham Town went to penalties on Tuesday evening.
The Blues travelled to the Stacatruc Stadium looking to bounce back from Saturday’s 1-0 league defeat to Southall, but despite taking the lead on three occasions, they were pegged back and taken to a penalty shootout.
Despite playing away from home the Blues held their nerve in the shootout to advance 5-3 after Thatcham’s Cory Hathaway put his spotkick over the bar.
They’ll visit either Maidenhead
United or Slough Town in the second round, with the tie to be played by January 1. The Magpies and the Rebels are set to lock horns in their firstround tie next Tuesday (November 15).
Reflecting on his side’s win over Thatcham, Blues boss Mark Bartley tweeted: “Topsyturvy cup tie, which needed to be decided on pens. Despite going in front on three occasions we just couldn’t see the game out. Thankfully we held our nerve from the spot and managed to progress into the next round where either Maidenhead or Slough await.”
Aaron McLeish-White put the Blues in front with a smart turn and finish in the first half, before Jamie Nvumba equalised from the penalty spot just after the interval. McLeishWhite
restored the visitors lead from the spot but Mo Ceesay’s header pegged them back once again. A cross bounced all the way in for Marlow to retake the lead before Ashley Howell reacted well to divert home a mishit shot late in the game to take the game to penalties.
The draw for the second round was made after the match. Chesham will host Beaconsfield Town; Hungerford Town are set to entertain Shrivenham. Buckingham Athletic or Flackwell Heath whose tie has been rescheduled for Tuesday, November 15 - will host Amersham Town.
The winners of Maidenhead
United v Slough Town will host Marlow and Bracknell Town will welcome either Newport Pagnell or Didcot Town to Bottom Meadow. Ties to be played before January 1.
The draw for the women’s Berks & Bucks Senior Cup semi-finals was also made at Thatcham on Tuesday and Maidenhead United’s Women will fancy their chances of reaching the final.
The competition heavyweights Milton Keynes Dons and defending champions Reading FC have been drawn against each other while the Magpies will host Abingdon United. The matches will take place on Sunday, January 22.