Home record dented?

Perhaps it was fatigue following the long trip north to Carlisle (Park), but the fortress that has been Broom Road could not be replicated at the unfamiliar surroundings of the alternative home field, with the Lions falling to a gallant 2-3 defeat to the Marlow United Lions.

The balmy weather brought a near capacity crowd, including a large contingent from the away team. They were rewarded an extremely exciting match - football the clear winner today (although Marlow will perhaps claim it was them....)

So a Lions vs Lions fixture and oh how we "heard them all roar"....[citation: Ms. Katy Perry]

A pulsating start from Hearts saw us have plenty of possession in the first quarter and so it was a bit of a surprise to fall behind to a break-away goal. However that goal against the run of play seemed to settle the opposition and Marlow began to get more of a grip on the match. With that, the game became a little more physical as Marlow battled their way through our passing game, their outstanding captain dictating the play. It certainly knocked Hearts off their stride and when a second goal came just before half time, it looked a long way back for the orange and blacks..

But what a second half....no half time team talk required as Hearts already knew what they needed to do to claw themselves back into the game. They upped the tempo in the third quarter, increasing their physicality, but staying true to their footballing roots of a fast paced and fluid passing game. And what dividends it yielded - an almighty rise from Hearts. Two goals in quick succession - a thunderous strike from Daniel got us back to 1-2 and then a wonderful passing move saw Sam equalise almost immediately afterwards. Marlow were shell-shocked and Hearts continued to press. A series of corners and a cross/shot from birthday boy Arron that hit the bar with the keeper well beaten and our Lions were dreaming in the wonderful spring sunshine. The whistle to end the quarter came with an audible sigh of relief from the Marlow contingent.

The final quarter and Marlow regained their composure in what was an end to end final period. As Hearts pressed for a winner - determined to maintain their 100% home record, Marlow scored on the break, with what turned out to be the decisive goal of the game. Roared on from the sidelines, Hearts kept pressing and were so close to getting a well deserved equaliser that would have doubtless led to a celebration to end all celebrations. In the end, the celebratory fireworks were left in their box for another day, but the team can be immensely proud of playing their part in perhaps our most entertaining game to date..