Two great goals from Paul secured the victory, moving the team up in the league. It was a very even contest, with both sides struggling to get the ball into the D, thus creating very few opportunities. Phoenix took the lead in the first half with a short corner that went inside the post. After that, it was a very balanced contest, with neither keeper really having to make any saves.

As the game became more open, Phoenix defended stoutly on the edge of their D, launching quick attacks, where the Marlow defence, including Tom in goal, kept pushing them back.

James's girlfriend and family watched from the sidelines. James aimed to put on a great performance, given his recent goal tally. Unfortunately, he seemed more focused on making sure his hair was not out of place, rather than showing off his skills down the wing. Later in the game, as his girlfriend and family seemed to be losing interest, he went down after being hit by the ball, seeking attention and sympathy from his girlfriend. Last heard, he was icing his stiff leg, hoping his girlfriend would relieve him of the pain.

The second half continued much like the first, with the keepers rarely required to act as the buildup play from both sides lacked any penetration. To be fair, Phoenix just shaded it on the number of chances. Midway through the second half, quick-thinking Ian knocked the ball straight into the D. When people thought it had to travel five yards, it flicked off a player's stick, and Paul slotted it into the top corner. It should have been time to apply continuous pressure within the D, but unfortunately, the chances did not materialize. However, with 10 minutes to go, a practiced short corner routine saw Oz driving the ball across the goal, and Paul was there again to get the final touch and flick it into the back of the net. Both teams tried to create final opportunities, but nothing came of it, and Marlow came away with a good 2-1 win.

Man of the match, Ian Atkinson, rolled back the years and delivered a commanding performance in front of the defence. Amazingly, he did not receive a card, which did not go down well with the team as everyone had participated in a sweepstake, and nobody won. Knowing Ian, he will likely rectify this next week, and we will have a winner.

The team is now third in the league, though Maidenhead are looking very strong. The management team left satisfied with the result, if not entirely with the performance. Paul went home to bore his household with stories of the two goals he scored, and James was still seeking sympathy from everyone around.