MARLOW 2, PETERSFIELD TN 2

PETERSFIELD gained a valuable point on the road as they continue their fight to pull away from the lower reaches of the Southern League Division One Central.

Dan Simmonds, who was to score both Petersfield’s goals, almost gave his side the lead when Marcus Mealing, who had replaced the injured Simon Grant in Marlow’s goal, hit a clearance straight to the striker who saw his first-time shot rebound off the woodwork.

But Simmonds made no mistake in the 35th minute when Marlow were caught out by a long ball and he nipped in to score the only goal of the half.

Four minutes into the second half, Simmonds fluffed an excellent chance to double the lead. Almost immediately, at the other end, Jordan Brown was fouled inside the area and skipper Chris Ovenden stroked the penalty into the corner of the net.

And just a minute later, Marlow had the lead. A good pass from Jordan Brown picked out Anaclet Odhiambo who cut inside his marker and fired past Aaron Bufton.

Marlow, unbeaten at home, missed a couple of decent chances to kill the game off and paid the price when Petersfield were awarded a penalty of their own. Adam Richards floored Alex Miroy and Simmonds converted to make it 2-2 with half-an-hour to go.

The Rams dug in under increasing pressure and held out for a fighting point. Marlow had a great chance to secure the win when Odhiambo got to the ball ahead of Bufton, only to pull his shot across goal and wide of the far post.

Petersfield host Northwood this Saturday. On Tuesday, they travel to Egham Town.