Watlington show fight in battle to avoid drop

WATLINGTON took a big step to safety on Saturday with a well-deserved 3-1 home win against fellow Division 2 strugglers Marcham, to end a long run of poor results that had seen them drop to bottom of the division.

First-half strikes from Tom Dowdell and Conor B’layachi gave the hosts a 2-0 first half lead that was richly deserved for their dominant performance that saw the home team show great hunger and desire to gain the upper hand.

In the second half there were chances at both ends before Marcham ensured a tight last 20 minutes when they pulled one back with a fine volleyed effort over goalkeeper Selwood in the Watlington goal.

With the game approaching a nervy finish as both teams fought for much-needed points, with Watlington’s need the greater, Ben Little broke into the visitor’s box and was brought down.

Little dispatched the resulting penalty to make the game safe and give Town a much-needed three points ahead of their next home game on Saturday 19th March against another side not safe from relegation — Sutton Courtenay.