Dawid and Dave at the double against the Corinthians
Marlow 4, Corinithian Casuals 1
Dawid Rogalski and Dave Tarpey both helped themselves to a brace of goals as Marlow comfortably saw off the challenge of Corinthian Casuals at Oak Tree Road on Saturday, however, the postponement of their game at Hartley Wintney on Monday means they're now three points behind second placed Leatherhead with a game in hand.
A couple of draws for the leaders Chertsey Town over the bank holiday means the Blues can cut the gap to just eight points if they win their game in hand, however, with only six games to play, that gap will surely be too big to bridge.
The Blues therefore find themselves embroiled in an intriguing battle for second place, with Leatherhead stealing a march on them on Monday as they recorded their own victory over bottom side Corinthians.
They only just managed it as well, with the Casuals going 2-0 up in the first half before a brace of goals from Ollie Cook and a late penalty from Ghas Sow sealed a comeback win for the visitors.
Marlow took control of Saturday's clash in the early stages with Rogalski scoring twice inside the opening 15 minutes. His first came from the penalty spot in the 11th minute and his second followed two minutes later to give the hosts some breathing space.
Bottom of the table Casuals are effectively already relegated with the side 11 points from safety and their 24th defeat of the season was confirmed by two goals from Tarpey in the 18th and 52nd minute, although they did manage a consolation before half-time from Aderi Arthur-Dede.
Commenting on the contest, Marlow manager Mark Bartley said: “A fantastic opening 35 minutes saw us race into an unassailable lead and effectively secure the three points with three goals.
“In all honesty, our intensity dropped off from then, but whilst we’re slightly disappointed with that, it’s difficult to be too critical after scoring four.”
Marlow have a much superior goal difference to Leatherhead and that
might come into play if the teams continue to match each other in the race to finish second. The team that manages that will have a home tie with the team that finishes fifth in the end of season play-offs.
The Blues are back in action this Saturday when they visit ninth-placed Thatcham Town.
Three of Leatherhead's remaining four games are away from home at Badshot Lea on Saturday, Southall and Hanworth Villa before they round off their season at home to Hartley Wintney.