Arlesey defeat Marlow to reach Trophy first round

Prior to the match, the Blues introduced new manager and director of football Rufus Brevett, although they were taken for the game by interim manager/physio Len McMain.

Arlesey saw Ryan Frater join ex-boss Zema Abbey at St Neots, while Kim Forsythe left the club to join Hitchin Town.

Town brought in Andre Maltay and Stuart Farrell, while they also gave a debut to on-loan Brentford goalkeeper Jack Bonham.

The visitors had won their previous four games and came close early on as Michael Bartley’s shot brought a great save from Bonham.

Farrell saw his long shot stopped by Simon Grant, before Bonham was called into action once more as he palmed Jon Bennett’s shot behind.

Arlesey had the lead on 28 minutes though when a corner was headed on by Shane Blackett and Barry Hayles’ shot was deflected in by Farrell.

The Blues upped the pressure as Jeanmal Prosper’s shot was well saved by Grant, but it was soon 2-0.

Farrell’s shot brought another good stop by Grant and although he blocked James Hatch’s follow up, he could do nothing about Hayles’ effort.

In the second period, Bennett volleyed over, while Devontae Romeo’s low shot was well saved by Bonham.

Martel Powell had another effort saved, while Hayles hit a cross shot that was cleared off the line, with Luke Abraham’s follow up well taken by Grant.

Blackett was then off target, wile Prosper skimmed over and Hayles almost had his second, but fired narrowly wide.

Arlesey made a double change as Andrew Osei-Siribour and Stefan Powell replaced Prosper and Hayles.

Late on, Marlow looked for a consolation, but Bonham blocked several shots as he kept a clean sheet to send Arlesey into Monday’s first round draw.

Arlesey are at home to Kettering in the Red Insure Cup second round on Tuesday night.

Arlesey Town: Jack Bonham, Jordan Ivey-Ward, Luke Abraham, Jeanmal Prosper (Stefan Powell 80), Andre Maltay, Shane Blackett, Jonny McNamara, James Hatch©, Barry Hayles (Andrew Osei-Siribour 80), Stuart Farrell (Nathan Hilaire 88).

Subs not used: Christian Tavernier, Sam Wyer.

Marlow: Simon Grant, Chris Ovenden (Ian Davies 64), Jordan Lee-Brown, Simieon Howell (Danny Lingwood 78), Adam Richards, Tom Moran, Devontae Romeo (Marcus Richardson 78), Richie Whittingham, Michael Bartley, Richard Witt ©.

Subs not used: Marcus Richardson, Jordan Eggleton.

Attendance: 149.

Arlesey MOM: Jonny MacNamara.