Match report by Jake Hastings, photo by Steve Gridley
Boxing Day saw the start of a busy period for Basingstoke Town, as they welcomed bottom of the league Marlow to the Winklebury Football Complex. The hosts were looking to extend their winning run to three games, but unfortunately were held to a 2-2 draw, after a late equaliser from the visitors.
Nnamdi Nwachuku returned to the starting XI for first time since the start of November as well as Curtis Angell who returned to the squad, after missing the midweek visit to Winchester City.
Marlow created the first effort on goal, after an open start to the game. Rhys Harper found himself through but fired his shot into the outside of the ‘Stoke net. The away side then had another chance minutes later, but Toby Raggett dragged his shot wide of the target.
‘Stoke grew into the game and managed to win a free kick on the edge of the visitor’s penalty area after Robbie Gallagher was brought down by Harry Roath. Brody Peart, who had already scored a free-kick in the week away at Winchester City, stepped up and gave the hosts the lead with 14 minutes played, as he saw his free-kick sneak in at the near post after Marlow keeper Aaron Watkins let the ball slip through his grasp.
After the opening goal neither side could get a foothold on the game but it was ‘Stoke who created the better of the chances. Nnamdi Nwachuku curled an effort goalwards, but unfortunately it was straight at Watkins. Peart then almost found his second of the game, however his attempt just missed the target.
Just before the break ‘Stoke had another chance to double the lead when Peart beat his man and whipped an inviting ball into the six yard box, which found Nwachuku, but his header flew over the bar.
HT Basingstoke Town 1-0 Marlow
Marlow piled on pressure early into the second half and were rewarded with a controversial spot kick after Nwachuku was adjudged to have clipped Louis Rogers. Harper slotted the ball away for the visitors, making it 1-1 with 48 minutes played.
‘Stoke felt they should’ve been awarded a penalty of their own after Nwachuku looked to have been brought down inside the six yard box, but the referee waived play on, much to the home side’s dismay. Only a few minutes later, there were more penalty appeals from ‘Stoke after it looked like Gallagher had been shoved to the ground inside the 18 yard box, but again nothing was given.
However, minutes later, ‘Stoke were awarded a penalty after Watkins mistimed his punch and ended up catching James Clark. Liam Ferdinand stepped up to take the penalty, but unfortunately it was saved by Watkins in the Marlow goal.
With seven minutes of normal time left, ‘Stoke were awarded another penalty. Gallagher got the wrong side of Marlow captain Rogers, who then subsequently brought the wide man down leaving the referee with no choice but to point to the spot. This time Clark stepped up to take the penalty and sent the keeper the wrong way, making it 2-1 with 84 minutes played.
‘Stoke’s lead didn’t last long as Josh Smith fired a long range effort past Simon Grant with only two minutes of normal time remaining.
In added time, the ball fell kindly to Dan Warre but his effort struck the inside of the post and was cleared away.
Neither side could find a winner and the result sees ‘Stoke remain in 7th, with their next fixture today, away at 5th place Dorchester Town.
FT Basingstoke Town 2-2 Marlow