Looking at our head-to-head record against Marlow, the goals were never really in short supply when we met over the years. We started things off by thumping the Blues by five goals at their place in November 1984. But we were abruptly parted from ’em at the end of the 1984-5 campaign; the Blues moved into Division Two South of the Isthmian League. It wasn’t until our ill-fated 1987-8 Division One campaign that we were reunited; relegation for us seeing us drift apart once again.
Our fortunes that season couldn’t have been more different. The Blues had come up to Division One in summer 1987 and, unlike us, saw success at the right end of the table. Their double ton (100 goals and 100 points) earned them promotion up into the Premier Division as champions. And it’d eventually be there, during the 1992-3 campaign, we’d come back together. This time, however, it was us moving in an upwardly direction; the Blues relegated to Division One in 1995.
Marlow: The Facts
The Alfred Davis Ground
Oak Tree Road, Marlow, Buckinghamshire, SL7 3ED
First, it’s Marlow – not Harlow or Gary Barlow that we’re talking about here. The club from Bucks are probably up there with the oldest sides we’ve gone tete-a-tete with. The Blues’ heritage stretches back a mammoth 147 years, dabbling with the name Great Marlow in the early years. To be fair, we’ve never been to Marlow – so we don’t know if it’s great or not. You’ll understand, however, that whatever they got up to in the late 19th century is of little concern to us. After all, we didn’t meet them for the first time until 1984!
Our first meeting with the Blues came in our first season out of the United Counties League frying pan and into the Isthmian League fire. And, as first encounters go, Boro’ did OK. Well, more than OK. After heading over to the Alfred Davis Memorial Ground, we made ourselves well and truly at home. A brace apiece for Jim Beech and Kevin Lowe laid the foundation for our 5-0 win that day. The return fixture was not so momentous; Boro’ settling for a point at Broadhall Way. It was, however, the last time we’d meet them for four years.
How to get to Marlow – Travel Information – Distance: 47 miles
By Road
Join the northbound M40 after making your way around the M25 and travel along for 11-and-a-half miles until you reach Junction 4 for the A404 (High Wycombe). Come off the motorway and take the second exit at the roundabout for Wycombe Road; continuing for two miles.
At the next roundabout, it’s the second exit to keep on Wycombe Road, before turning right onto Oak Tree Road after 0.6 miles.
There should be enough space at the ground. If not, local streets should be an option.
By Rail
Station: MARLOW
Services to: MAIDENHEAD (for LONDON PADDINGTON)
Leave the station on Station Approach and turn right onto Lock Road at the end. Continue onto Glade Road for 0.3 miles, before bearing right for Wycombe Road. Turn left onto Oak Tree Road.
