Marlow overcome logistical challenges to grind out win over Guernsey

Photo credit: Neil Richards

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Marlow overcame the logistical issues of a ‘red-eye’ flight to the Channel Islands as they ground out a hard-fought 1-0 win over Guernsey to keep their promotion aims well on track this weekend.

Rhys Harper scored the game’s only goal with a little over 10 minutes to play at the Footes Lane Stadium, ensuring the Blues had an extra item of hand luggage to take with them on the plane home - three valuable points.

It wasn’t the Blues best performance of the season and the game won’t live long in the memory, but Mark Bartley’s injury-weakened side got the job done in trying circumstances and the victory sets them up nicely for a potentially pivotal week where they’ll play three matches in six days.

“It was a case of understanding all the problems that might come up, and that’s what you get from having travelled there before,” said Bartley.

“All we cared about was getting there, getting the three points and getting out. Anything above that like a good performance from the team is a bonus but the most important thing is getting the three points because it’s such a tough ask.

“Thankfully, we produced a good performance and were unlucky it was just the one goal. “We’re pleased with our weekend’s work.”

Saturday’s win moves them to sixth in the Isthmian League South Central table, a point off the play offs with games in hand over the teams above them. However, the next few days will sorely test what’s been a positive start to the campaign in the main.

On Wednesday they visit a Southall side fresh from burying the Binfield moles 8-0 at Burnham’s 1878 Stadium, while leaders Raynes Park Vale are the visitors to Oak Tree Road on Saturday. The Blues have already overcome them in the FA Trophy this season thanks to an early goal from Dawid Rogalski but their five wins from six matches in the league hasn’t been a fluke.

Finally, any mental or physical fatigue will have to be pressed right to the back of their minds when they visit Northwood on Tuesday for their fourth game in 11 days.

These fixtures that won’t define the Blues season or make or break their promotion hopes, but they will give Bartley a better understanding of the strength of his side’s credentials to go up this year. Having exited both of the main FA Cup competitions the Blues they’re also now free to focus all of their energies on ensuring they do become one of the main contenders.

“We’re pleased with our start so far, but we’re at that stage where we’re having to contend with a few injuries,” added Bartley.

“The next month is really busy for us but we need to get through that and then push on. If we can win a few of the games over the next few weeks we’ll be in a good position.

“In the space of 10 or so days, we’ll have four games. This is when we’ll need the squad and those that have had to be patient and wait for opportunities will get their chance now.

“If we can get a decent points haul from these three games that will be fantastic and it will give us a bit of momentum. We’ve played Raynes Park Vale in the Trophy so we know how good they are and before that we play Southall, who like us will have aspirations of getting up the league. They’re tough games but we want to play these big games and believe we’re good enough to get the right result.”