Report by Jools Thomas

FC started their Christmas programme with a win over their Buckinghamshire neighbours in part thanks to a whirlwind start. A penalty converted by Marlow added intrigue to the encounter before a late Aylesbury goal put the seal on the game.

The game was only two minutes old when FC took the lead. Great work by Lynton Goss on the right hand side led to Brian Haule receiving the ball. Only Brian will tell if his effort was a shot or a cross but the strike sailed over O’Neal Garnes in the Marlow goal before nestling in the back of the net. Six minutes later FC doubled their lead however there was no ambiguity as to the scorer’s intention s as Bradley Wadkins headed home a cross from that dangerous right hand side. An Aston Goss drive a few seconds later was unlucky not to hit the target and Aston Goss then guided a header over the bar with the goal at his mercy for what should have been the third goal.

Marlow were finding more and more space as the half settled. Marcus Mealing was unlucky to be robbed at his feet by FC debutant keeper James Jackson before Brian Haule was involved in an almost identical move at the other end of the field and again keeper Garnes was equal to it. Charlie Bull played in a smart low cross which caused confusion in the FC defence as Marlow enjoyed the lion’s share of possession.

Soon afterwards Lynton Goss broke the offside trap and Garnes stole the ball from the FC man’s feet as he attempted to round the keeper. On 34 minutes Marlow grabbed a goal back. Marcus Mealing was brought down after a daring run into the FC box with Jamal Branker sweeping home the spot kick. A free kick on 40 minutes for Marlow right on the edge of the box could have been dangerous but the Moles wall held fast from shots by Nathan Ashton and Branker.

The second half was a few minutes old when Jeanmal Prosper was unlucky to hit the bar with a firm header after a quality floated ball and a few seconds later Danny Murphy attempted to lob the keeper as FC looked to gain control. Ben Batemen and Davis Haule were in particularly good form and this pair provided the backbone for the forwards to enjoy themselves. A chance typical of this was in the 58th minute as Lynton Goss got a shot away which Garnes did well to hold.

Shortly afterwards FC were reduced to 10 men. A full bloodied challenge involving Ben Stevens saw the FC captain receive a yellow and then a second yellow for questioning the referee. It seemed a controversial decision and one which Ben was incensed about. A reshuffle followed involving Jeanmal Prosper joining Connor Baker in the centre of defence.

This could have been the cue for FC to sit back on their lead but instead they surged forwards looking to extend their goals for column. Lynton Goss was played in by Bradley Wadkins and his low shot flew just past the keeper’s post. On 78 minutes the outstanding Wadkins floated over a beautiful pass for Lynton Goss and although it initially appeared that the ball had got stuck in the mud, Goss controlled the ball before firing the ball under Garnes and into an empty net to seal the points and send FC up to the dizzy heights of 2nd.