MARLOW United continue to make progress in the Hellenic League Floodlit Cup after a 4-3 win on penalties against Flackwell Heath on Tuesday night, writes Rob Stevens.
The Flying Blues held their higher-league opponents to a 0-0 draw in the all-Bucks tie at Wilks Park before holding their nerve to progress in the shoot-out.
It was a remarkable success considering Marlow were without six regular starters, and the win sets up a trip to Kidlington Development in the last-16 of the competition.
The visitors were unfortunate not to take the lead inside eight minutes when Alfie Lucas hit the post with a curling effort.
Flackwell appealed that the ball had crossed the line from a corner kick but Lucas had done enough to clear the danger as neither the referee or the assistant indicated for a goal in the 76th minute.
The trio of Adam Dickens, Dan Jordan and Alan Mckie all scored for the Blues in the shoot-out before Lucas had his spot-kick saved by the Flackwell keeper.
Marlow custodian Matt Cannings then kept his cool to make a save and Adam Davis converted to put his side back ahead.
The pressure was on Cameron Gray to keep The Heathens in the cup tie but Cannings pulled off a great save. The spot-kick however had to be retaken because the keeper was adjudged to have moved too soon.
Gray was gifted a second opportunity but sent the ball over the crossbar and ensured Marlow progressed.
Marlow return to action in Division One East with a trip to AFC Aldermaston, whilst in the Premier Division, Flackwell head to Tuffley Rovers this Saturday (3pm).
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