Football round-up: Blues beat Basingstoke thanks to Smart own goal

Mark Bartley’s tactical preparations continue to pay dividends as Marlow FC moved back into the top four of the Isthmian League South Central Division with a 1-0 win over Basingstoke Town on Saturday afternoon.

A 31st-minute own goal from Nathan Smart was the difference between the two sides at the Winklebury Sports Complex and as a result, the Blues moved onto 29 points, just behind their hosts in second place.

Marlow face Uxbridge on Tuesday, December 7 for a 7.45pm kickoff.

Fantastic performance from us today. To go away from home, to as good a side as Basingstoke are, and perform how we did makes me immensely proud.

It's important we maintain those levels on Tuesday when the next huge test awaits.#MarlowFC

— Mark Bartley (@markusbartley) December 4, 2021

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In the National League South, Slough Town FC claimed maximum points against Tonbridge Angels, the side winning 2-1.

Tom Beere brought the visitors a 1-0 lead in the seventh minute, capitalising on Mark Nisbet’s mistake in the box. On the stroke of half-time, the Rebels replied as Alfonso Tenconi got the crucial touch from a cross.

Guy Hollis hit the bar with a header in the 54th minute as Jon Underwood and Neil Baker’s men continued to attack. Tenconi then blasted an effort over the woodwork from three yards out.

Eventually, the Rebels fired themselves into the ascendancy when Aaron Kuhl converted inside the penalty area in the 76th minute.

Slough Town travel to Hemel Hempstead on Saturday, December 11 for a 3pm kickoff.

Poor performance, great result! Lucky to still be in the game at half time but we improved in the 2nd half and that becomes a vital 3 points! Come on you Rebels! ⚽️

— Jon Underwood (@JonUnders) December 4, 2021

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Windsor FC gave a reasonable account of themselves in their clash against Combined Counties Premier Division North leaders Hanworth Villa but were ultimately beaten, 3-2, away from home.

The Royalists had the advantage at the break thanks to Charlie Losasso scoring from the spot in the 35th minute. Remarkably, however, they found themselves 3-1 down within 10 minutes of the restart as the hosts scored in the 47th, 49th, and 56th minute.

Substitute Jake Hammond netted Windsor their second goal in the 88th minute but Villa were able to wind down the clock in professional fashion to remain unbeaten and atop of the table.

Windsor play Burnham next on Saturday, December 11 for a 3pm kickoff.

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Elsewhere in the division, Burnham FC drew, 2-2, with Edgware Town.

Manny Williams’ men took the lead in the fifth minute through Leo Decabo before Moe Kahdum restored parity moments later.

Gustabo Tamayo put the Wares ahead in the 36th minute only for Ben Ami made the score equal again two minutes after.

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Following two impressive consecutive victories against Wokingham & Emmbrook and Spelthorne Sports, Holyport FC were unlucky not to get anything from fourth-placed visitors Abbey Rangers.

Derek Sweetman’s side were defeated, 1-0, at Summerleaze thanks to a goal scored within the first minute of play.

Holyport welcome Reading City to their ground on Tuesday, December 7 for a 7.45pm kickoff.

Our little presentation for Rapelys 300th appearance pic.twitter.com/LfeRjR3YaS

— Holyport FC (@HolyportFC) December 4, 2021

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Flackwell Heath FC got back to winning ways in the Spartan South Midlands Premier Division with a 2-0 victory at Ardley United.

The Heathens’ Jamie Essex opened the scoring in the 17th minute before Simeon Weekes scored from the penalty spot in the game’s dying embers.

Chris Ayres’ men are next in action against Harpenden Town on Saturday, December 11 for a 3pm kickoff.