Reports 2005/2006

. Team: Conny Bear, Launcberry, Green, Bloomfield, Moody, Kigsbury, Harrison, Butler, Jeacock, Harris, Titcombe

Marcham made the trip through the gallops into “The valley of the Racehorse” for the 1 st round of the North Berks cup with seven members of the team that won on the opening day of the season absent. With G.vdm, W.Westell and Thomas back in the team after a spell out “The Celery” could still only manage a squad of 12 and looked suspect if injuries occurred. With Lambourne Kicking like mules expectedly it was only a matter of time before Will Westell was clattered resulting in him being rushed to Equine Horse Hospital. Despite the long face, surgery was refused and trip to Swindon General Hospiral for stitches followed. Marcham had the better of the first half with the Marv and Luke Westell coming close only to be denied by their own shooting. At H/T Manager less Marcham regrouped and some inspirational talk of honour and glory by Goalkeeper Launchberry rallied Marcham's Gladiators into battle. Sadly again injury took is toll within ten minutes of the restart and with no substitutes Marcham were forced to soldier on with 10 men. This consolidated the Marcham effort and with a change of tactics they looked to exploit Lambourne on the break. For most of the second half Marcham expectedly had to defend against the leagues most potent attacking team but looked comfortable, with Green holding Moonies reigns and Launchberry plucking every shot out of the air with the ease of a top class NB goalkeeper. For 40 minutes Marcham held on and should have probably stole the match in the closing moments but tired legs failed to capitalise. In Extra time, Marcham could sense an upset but this sensation was shattered by a lucky Lambourne break that saw the ball ricochet of a Lambourne player following a Marcham clearance into the back of the net. With the deadlock broken the Celeries head did not drop and with some strong encouragement from the sidelines they fought on. Unfortunately the 10 men of Marcham were punished moments later when Lambourne capitalised on their first one on one. At this stage their was a monstrous task for Marcham to overcome but still the never give in attitude was displayed and they were rewarded with a late consolation after good interplay from G.vdm, L.Westell capped of my Edwards. Despite the defeat much cam be taken from this game and if the same attitude, effort and commitment can continue Marcham will have no problem propelling themselves up the league into a European Palce.

With the pride of fortress Marcham at a stake, Marcham were asking themselves some serious questions before the game, do you want to win and how much to you want to win? These questions were answered brilliantly, straight from the start there was aggression, desire, commitment and a belief that the game was nothing but a home victory. Marcham played some lovely football despite the heavy undulations caused from the under ground heating. Michael van de Mortel epitomised Marchams motivation, box to box, 110% in tackles, providing chances, clearly reminiscent of his older brother. Unfortunately for him and Marcham he could only do this for 25 minutes before he ran out of fuel and at 19 serious questions have to be asked! Replacing was debutant Ross Butler who was tasked with providing an exemplary service to the forwards. At half time Marcham were clearly the better team but had nothing to show for all their hard work. The second half was more of the same, reminiscent of a New Orleans high way but still Marcham could break free from the Gridlock despite their endeavour. With 20 minutes to go senior van de Mortel was brought on to find that elusive goal, but it was not he who was to deliver, Big Ben Harrison chested down a diagonal ball form the Butler and curling a beauty into the top corner. GOAL! With only five minutes to go Marcham handled the pressure well, indicating a maturing side with great expectations for the season ahead

After a gladiatorial performance against Lambourn Marchams legions were faced with another stern test at the hands of newly promoted Colshill. With injuries, holidays and other commitments interrupting events Marchams resources were tested with Big Ben Harriosn making his 1 st team debut and only a cripple on the bench. However it was Marcham who started brightest with some diligent interplay between Cousins, Morris and M van de Mortel. With Kingsbury ruling the midfield, Harrison pressured the Colshill defence into error allowing an ever-grateful M.van de Mortel to pounce. GOAL! More hard work from Harrison allowed Cousins to sneak in for Marchams second despite M.van de Mortels best efforts for his second. Marcham found their third when a strike from Big Ben hit the hands of the defender and the referee kindly offered Kingsbury a chance to score from the penalty stop. GOAL With only 10 minutes to the break and Marcham cruising a lapse of concentration and some diabolical refereeing allowed Colshill back into the Game. 2-3 HT. The second half created little in the way of goal scoring opportunities but is was Marcham that seized the opportunity when it appeared. Colshill, but not Cousins gave up a searching Souness type ball from Moody. He found time and space to square for Geacock to unleash a venomous drive form 2 yards. Again Marcham were punished for poor concentration and discipline in the closing minutes allowing Colshill to share the spoils.