A chance for Marlow 3’s to run out before next week’s Croxson cup, availability was good with most of the side that formed the team nicknamed Dad’s Army last year by Militon Keynes available, the addition of a couple of older heads in Rich Clee and Trevor Jackson, then the average age finally halved with the addition of Max Ellis, Charlie Peplow, Henry Cromie and University toughened “Champagne” Johnny Wilson.

A bright start from Marlow pushed Aylesbury back, particularly down the right where new skipper Ben Horan linked up with Trevor Jackson. Several crosses found their way into the D, initially without outcome, until one landed within Rob Walls’ scoring arc and was promptly dispatched. The visitors settled into the game, perhaps a little too much. Chances came and went, and at the other end Aylesbury showed some skill and promise, testing the defence and Max Ellis. From a short corner Aylesbury drew level, hard and low into the bottom left. The home side finished stronger and maybe deserved another goal given the number of chances created.

The half time talk urged the need to keep up the tempo and be more productive in front of goal. This was one occasion where Marlow followed their own advice and had the game put to bed within 15 minutes of the re-start. Aylesbury were closing off the Marlow right with some robust defending, so Marlow switched centre and left. Charlie Peplow linked up well with his forwards and Johnny Wilson was finding room on the left. A Wilson cross shot created a scramble in front of goal which was turned in from a yard by Gaz Baber, and a repeat build up this time with a reflex finish by Walls and it was 3-1 only 8 minutes after the re-start. Before Aylesbury could counter, Ben Horan fired in a penalty corner from a well-planned move and there was no coming back for the home side.

There was still plenty of time, but despite lots of possession Marlow could only add one more as Johnny Wilson fired in a deserved 5th. Aylesbury meanwhile finished the game strongly, Rob Postings scrambled into a last ditch tackle at the back and Max Ellis keeping out the last short corner action. A great result, lots to build on and in truth Marlow probably only at their best for half the game. Well, it is still pre-season after all!