Marlow became the first team this season to complete the league double over AFC when they scored a goal in each half in Buckinghamshire.

A round trip of 200 miles is not ideal for a midweek fixture but that is what faced Nicky Smith’s team and they were somewhat unlucky not to get something from the game which was marred by a head injury to teenage defender Daniel Swain when he collided with his skipper Gareth Heath late in the first half. Both received lengthy treatment on the pitch and Swain took no further part while Heath continued despite a hip and arm injury.

Smith made two changes from the previous game. New signing Nathan Clarke from Walsham-le-Willows made his debut in defence while Blair Hammond started his second game partnering Craig Hughes in attack with Heath dropping back into a midfield role at the expense of Kane Dobrowolski who was named among the substitutes.

It was a match of few cut clear chances but AFC made a bright start and they came close to opening the scoring after 17 minutes when Hughes intercepted a back pass and his cross from the right found Hammond at the far post but his stooping header hit the foot of the post and was cleared.

Defences continued to dominate and there was a suspicion of offside int the build-up when Marlow took the lead after 31 minutes when Aaron Couch’s cross from the left was converted by Yashwa Romeo at the near post. The referee later explained that play had entered ‘the second phase’ so the goal stood.

AFC were extremely unlucky not to equalise in the 39th minute when the dangerous Hughes forced home keeper Michael Watkins into the save of the match when he went full length to his right to keep out a fierce 25 yard drive at the expense of a corner.
It was from this corner that the serious injury to Swain occurred when he, Heath and a defender chased for a loose ball and the two AFC players collided at speed. After a lengthy stoppage Dobrowolski replaced the injured Swain.

Half time: Marlow 1 AFC Sudbury 0

There was little between the teams in the second period when defences continued to dominate and chances were few. But on the hour Marlow doubled their lead when a headed flick-on by Michael Stewart found Couch and his shot on the turn gave keeper Richard Wilmot no chance.

AFC made another change when Jemel Fox replaced a tiring Hammond after 66 minutes. They kept battling on and twice in the closing minutes came close to getting a goal back when Fox and then Heath were denied by Watkins who was quick off his line.

Marlow are rapidly becoming a bogey team for AFC as in the two seasons they have been competing in the Southern League they have completed the double over the Suffolk side

Pat Arbon