Thames Valley Premier League

Premier Division

Monday 3rd May 2021

Kick Off 18.00 Actual 17.59

Finchampstead 4 Marlow United 1, attendance 41

15’ 1-0 (pen)

21’ 2-0

64’ 2-1

73’ 3-1

76’ 4-1

@ Arborfield Recreation Ground

Swallowfield Road

Arborfield Cross

RG2 9QD

No Admission or Programme.

Luckily, the rain that had been forecast only arrived as I pulled into the car park an hour before kick off, at what is the temporary home ground where Finchampstead will play out the season. The wind had increased during the day and combined with the now constant rain, it made viewing rather unpleasant. There was just enough shelter provided by the changing room building and a wooden structure, set back behind the near goal, to keep the majority of the crowd protected from the worst of the weather.

The match was 2nd versus 12th in the league table and a game that pretty much went to form. A penalty put Finchampstead ahead and they added a second goal shortly afterwards, but it was still only 2-0 at the break. Just after the hour mark Marlow pulled a goal back with an unstoppable effort from outside the 18 yard box , but the comeback never materialised and Finchampstead added two more as we entered the last quarter of an hour to run out comfortable 4-1 winners. The win sees them go level on points with Berks County at the top of the table, but they have played three games more than the leaders.